According to the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, about 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries daily at work in locations across the United States. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says those eye injuries cost more than $300 million to treat. Furthermore, the academy says that workers and employees can prevent about 90 % of those injuries if workers wear the right protective eyewear.
How Do You Know an Eye Injury has Occurred?
Many people try to brush off eye injuries. Flying objects, tools, particles, and chemicals can all cause eye injuries. If the person has pain in the eye or is having trouble seeing out of the eye, then they should head to the eye doctor or the nearest emergency room. Furthermore, if the eyelid appears cut or torn, it is vital to get it checked out. When you look at the person with an eye injury, the pupils should move together and be the same size. There should never be blood in the white part of the eye.
What Can You Do to Prevent Eye Injuries?
The first thing that you can do to prevent eye injuries is always to be aware of your surroundings. If you are in an area where eye injuries may occur, then it is critical to wear protective eyewear. If you are working in an area where dust or flying debris is present, then you should wear protective eyeglasses. You will see the number 287 on these glasses to show that the American National Standards Institute has approved them. Polycarbonate lenses provide the highest level of protection in safety eyeglasses. Alternatively, if chemicals are present, then you need to wear goggles. Finally, if you are working around hazardous radiation, like welders, then you should wear protective goggles.
What Can an Employer Do to Reduce Eye Injuries?
While each employee needs to take responsibility, there are things that employers can do to reduce the number of eye injuries at their job sites. The employer should start by assessing to look for:
• Dust or flying particles that may end up in the eye
• Shifting or falling debris
• Smoke or harmful gasses
• Chemicals
• Welding equipment
• Thermal hazards
• Bloodborne pathogens
Then, the employer should write and enforce rules that workers must wear safety equipment in these areas. Supervisors can set a good example by following the rules themselves.
If you need to see an optometrist in Orlando, contact Eyes of Winter Park. This professional team will be glad to recommend protective eyewear for you and your employees, helping to reduce the number of eye injuries. Additionally, this optometrist in Winter Park can make sure that each member of your family sees perfectly so that everyone can work effectively at school, home, and in the workplace. Contact them today to schedule a visit.