Eye Protection and Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Your eyesight is valuable. Eyes are still are an area of the body that is often not repairable once damage has occurred. This delicate area of our bodies does so much for us yet we take it for granted. Typically, you protect your eyes on the job with the proper selection and consistent use of safety glasses, goggles, or shields. You understand that foreign objects, particulates, chemicals, heat and radiation are hazards to your eye health. You know the location of eye wash stations for emergencies. But do you exercise as much care for your eyes when not at work?

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Coincidentally, March also kicks off outdoor recreation, yard work and spring-cleaning seasons. Are you prepared for the eye hazards encountered in these activities? It is estimated that 90% of blindness due to injuries could have been prevented with the proper eye wear.

Here are some tips for choosing protective eye wear:

• Use approved ANSI Z87.1 protective eye wear. The code should be stamped in the frame of the glasses.
• Always wear eye protection when using power tools including shop tools and lawn care equipment.
• Use splash resistant eye wear when mixing and using household cleaning products, car maintenance fluids and other chemicals.
• Select safety eye wear appropriate for sports and hobbies to protect against foreign objects or impact injuries.
• Wear UV blocking sunglasses for outdoor activities including driving.
• Use corrective lenses as required and take frequent breaks to lessen eyestrain from computer use.

Eye emergencies require prompt first aid:

• Chemical Splash: Hold eyes open and flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Particulate Debris: Don’t rub the eye or try to remove embedded objects. Cover both eyes to prevent movement and seek immediate medical attention.
• Burn or Radiation: Apply ice packs as needed for pain and get medical help as soon as possible.
• Impact Injury: Gently apply ice packs to control swelling. Cover both eyes to prevent movement and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• For ice packs on eyes or anywhere on the body, bags of frozen peas work well since they are small and round, resulting in less pain during ice application.

Follow these rules and demonstrate these good habits to your family as well. Keep your eyesight for life!

We address these and a variety of other safety issues in our Safety 101 Online Course. Learn more about it HERE.