Sight is one of your most precious senses, especially when it comes to your ability to earn a living. Yet eye injuries occur all too often in the workplace.
A worker might be using a high-speed tool that scatters tiny flying particles, and in the blink of an eye those particles can be in the worker's eye. If the worker notices what happened, the particles can often be removed by an ophthalmologist or emergency room doctor, but scarring or eye damage can still occur. There is an even greater risk of permanent eye damage if a lodged particle goes unnoticed.
The first step to protecting your eyes is routine yearly eye exams. An uncorrected or undercorrected vision problem can increase the risk of an accident that affects you and others. For information about vision benefits and options, see Vision Care Insurance.
If you are a candidate, your ophthalmologist may prescribe contact lenses. Either way, corrective devices should be worn as the doctor prescribes.
In any job location where there might be a hazard to the eye, workers should use personal protective eyewear designed for the specific task or hazard involved. This is not optional; when there is a risk from flying objects, applicable safety regulations require everyone on a work site to wear front- and side-protecting safety glasses because other workers may be working with hazards even if you are not.
Protective eyewear. Your eyewear should fit properly and comfortably to best protect your eyes. They should be snug enough to maintain position but not so tight that they interfere with natural movement. Many protective eyewear devices have adjustable features to fit the unique elements of your face.
When fitted properly, dust- and chemical-splash-protecting eyewear will form a protective seal. Leaving eyewear loosely hanging on the face will not provide adequate protection. Face shields and welding helmets must also be fitted properly, as they will do little good if they fall off while working.
Workers who must wear corrective glasses should request prescription safety eyewear. It is possible to wear certain types of protective eyewear over corrective glasses, but the combination is often bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable.
Workplace training and awareness reduce the likelihood of eye injuries; for resources on training and reducing computer-related eye strain, see Safety Training and Computer Eye Strain.
In the event of an eye accident
If an eye injury does occur, response time can often prevent serious and permanent injury. To respond quickly, workers should prepare before an incident:
- Know safety protocols and first-aid response.
- Know the location and operation of eyewash stations and how to quickly get to one.
- Report any problems with eyewash stations, personal protective equipment, or unaccounted hazards to the site supervisor.
Accidents will inevitably occur, but by supporting and complying with all elements of an eye protection program you can greatly reduce the risk of injury and the potential for permanent eye damage. If you need assistance selecting protective eyewear or coverage, ask an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately if something gets in my eye at work?
If possible, avoid rubbing the eye and follow your workplace first-aid protocol; flush the eye at an eyewash station and seek medical attention if irritation or vision changes persist.
Are safety glasses required even if I am not directly using hazardous tools?
Yes—if others on the work site are exposed to flying objects or similar hazards, everyone in the area is typically required to wear appropriate eye protection.
Can I wear contact lenses on the job?
Contact lenses may be permissible, but follow your eye care professional's advice and combine contacts with proper protective eyewear when hazards are present.
How often should I have eye exams for workplace safety?
Routine yearly eye exams are recommended to detect vision changes that could increase workplace risk and to ensure corrective prescriptions are current.