A large number of workplace related work injuries tend to be pretty minor. However, some of them can even lead to vision loss or blindness. As per Zuhal Butuner, any job that involves airborne particles or hazardous substances typically carries a risk of eye injury. The eye is highly delicate. Permanent vision loss can, at times, result from a relatively minor injury. Ordinary eye wear is not always enough to adequately protect a person against injury. Proper protection measures have to be followed to lower the risk of workplace eye injuries. People must pay attention to their working environment, and wear eye protection while doing any high-risk work.
Zuhal Butuner sheds light on a few pointers that help ensure workplace eye safety
Diverse types of industries maintain distinctive work settings and environment, and eye hazards can also take many forms. Here are some of the most common workplace related eye hazards:
- Chemical splashes
- Thermal burns to the eye and surrounding area
- Sharp objects or metal striking, scraping, or penetrating the eye
A safe and secure environment must be prioritized at every workplace. Here are a few steps one may take to implement safer conditions:
- Educate the team about workplace eye safety: Each and every person at an organization must know the proper protocol associated with workplace eye safety for it to be effective. Every new employee must be educated on workplace eye safety before beginning the job so they can capably protect their eyes.
- Check the tinting or magnification of eye safety equipment: If one is using eye safety equipment with magnification or tinting, it might impact their vision in specific conditions, like when the workplace is brightly lit.
- Update protective equipment on a regular basis: It is vital to check workplace eye protection on a regular basis to make sure that it does not get worn out or damaged in any manner. In case the safety equipment has been exposed to chemicals at work, it is vital to clean them up carefully.
- Use the right equipment for every task: One must always use workplace eye protection that has been particularly designed for the specific task or job role. For instance, if one is working with power tools or machinery, they should typically wear an OSHA-compliant face shield.
- Use workplace eye safety equipment with side shields: It would be prudent for the workers to wear safety glasses with side shields in both indoor and outdoor work environments where some kind of construction work is being performed. Wearing safety glasses without side shields may cause eye injury from flying construction debris or projectiles.
- Be cautious when working with chemicals: There are multiple types of harmful chemicals that can affect the eye and cause significant damage. Using safety equipment that has not been specifically designed for chemical exposure can be just as harmful or damaging as not using any safety equipment. Hence, it is important to use chemical-resistant eyewear and follow workplace safety protocols.
As per Zuhal Butuner, common medical symptoms of workplace eye injuries can range from eye redness and eye pain to blurred vision. If any employee has such symptoms, they must be taken to an eye doctor at once.