Common Workplace Eye Hazards and Safety Tips

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that workplace eye injuries have an estimated cost of $300 million per year in lost productivity, medical treatments and worker compensation. Many of these eye injuries could’ve been prevented by wearing protective eyewear, such as eyeglasses with polycarbonate lenses. 

Read on to learn about common workplace eye hazards and tips for protecting your eyes at work. 

Eye Hazards and Injuries

Common causes of eye injuries in the workplace include power tools, particles, flying debris, harmful radiation and chemicals. Eye injuries can result in irreversible vision loss, which is why it’s important to recognize the symptoms and receive prompt treatment. Anyone who has sustained a serious eye injury must be given medical attention immediately.

Symptoms to look out for include a cut or torn eyelid, eye pain, unusual pupil size and blood in the clear part of the eye. A person who suddenly experiences trouble seeing or has one eye that sticks out more than the other needs prompt medical attention. 

Safety Tips

Contact lenses should still be worn with other protective eyewear when you’re working in a hazardous environment. Contacts shouldn’t be worn when working with chemicals to avoid injury. You need to wear safety eyewear if your workplace poses risks of eye injury. Common safety eyewear includes non-prescription or prescription safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets and full-face respirators. 

The type of safety eye protection you need depends on the hazards in your workplace and should comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for eye and face protection. The OSHA also has requirements for filter lenses to be used in certain welding and cutting activities as well as cautions on the danger of eye irritation from welding fumes. 

Good vision can help you perform better at work. Keep track of your eye health by having an eye exam on a regular basis. For your eye care needs, you can rely on Vienna Eyecare Center. Give us a call at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We assist patients in Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.