Essential Tips for Workplace Eye Safety
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March is National Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and it's a great time to focus on protecting your eyes while you're on the job.
Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy vision as a key part of overall well-being for working adults. He strongly urges everyone to consult their eye doctor about the best ways to keep their eyes healthy at work and beyond.
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 18,000 workplace eye injuries each year? These injuries cost an estimated $300 million annually in lost productivity, medical treatment, and workers' compensation.
The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable with the right safety eyewear.
Consider the different risks in your workplace:
- Chemical burns from splashes and spills
- Impact trauma from flying or falling debris
- Irritation from wood, dust, and other airborne particles
- Exposure to intense light, high voltage electricity, or strong thermal radiation
- Exposure to pathogens through the eyes' mucous membranes
How to protect your eyes in the workplace
If you work in a factory, laboratory or other industrial place, exposure to potential eye damage is very high. Here are some tips to protect your eyes at work:
- Always wear the correct eye protection for your specific job.
- Use a welding mask when welding.
- Handle chemicals with care, following all instructions.
- Ensure that anyone watching you work is also wearing eye protection.
Standards for safety eyewear
When it comes to safety eyewear, look for markings that indicate specific safety ratings from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI oversees and helps develop voluntary safety standards. This creates a uniform testing standard and helps hold all manufacturers accountable for the level of safety they deliver in their products.
The ANSI Z87.1 rating helps ensure that safety eyewear meets standards for various workplace hazards like impact, heat, chemicals, dust, and radiation.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Being mindful of potential eye dangers in your workplace and having the right protection and treatment plans in place are crucial for your safety. Always seek medical assistance for serious injuries and consult us for any eye emergencies.
Need new safety glasses or unsure which product to use?
Talk to us today—your eyesight is worth it!