Eye Safety in the Workplace: Protect Your Vision from Hazards

Have you ever had something in your eye? Whether it’s a speck of dust or an accidental splash, we all know how uncomfortable it can be. Now imagine working in an environment where potential eye hazards are constant. Every day, over 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries on the job—many requiring emergency care.

These injuries range from minor irritation to vision loss and can happen in any industry, though construction and industrial sectors see the highest rates. The good news? Proper safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) can significantly reduce the risks.

While not technically an injury, eye strain is a common issue caused by prolonged screen use or intense focus on nearby tasks.

Eye Hazards to Watch Out For

Workplace eye hazards are everywhere. The most common include:

• Flying Debris: Dust, dirt, metal, and wood chips account for 70% of serious eye injuries.
• Chemicals and Vapors: Acids, bases, and cleaning agents can splash or emit harmful vapors.
• Radiation: Lasers, welding arcs, and even sunlight can burn the eyes.
• Blunt Force Trauma: Tools, machinery, or falling objects can strike the eyes or surrounding areas.
• Infectious Materials: Blood and droplets from coughing or sneezing can transmit diseases like HIV or Hepatitis B.

Types of Workplace Eye Injuries

1. Scratches and Abrasions: Caused by flying particles or strong winds disturbing debris.
2. Penetrating Injuries: Nails, staples, or sharp objects can pierce the eye, leading to vision loss.
3. Chemical and Thermal Burns: Splashing chemicals or exposure to welding flames can severely damage the eyes.
4. Infections: Touching your eyes with contaminated hands can transmit infectious diseases.

Eye Strain: A Workplace Concern

Symptoms include:

• Redness or dryness.
• Headaches and blurred vision.

Preventive Tip: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Employers are required to assess workplace risks and determine the appropriate eye protection for each task.

Using PPE to Protect Your Vision

PPE is your first line of defense against eye hazards. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Safety Glasses:
   • Best for light impact protection against flying debris.
   • Often made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate and equipped with side shields.
   • Cannot protect against splashing liquids or fine dust particles.
2. Splash Goggles:
   • Provide full coverage, protecting the eyes from all angles.
   • Ideal for tasks involving harmful liquids or small particles.
   • Required for anyone within the “splash zone,” defined as 10 feet from a potential hazard.
3. Face Shields:
   • Protect the entire face from larger hazards, including molten metal and chemical explosions.
   • Must be used with safety glasses or goggles underneath for complete protection.
4. Specialized Welding Gear:
   • Includes safety glasses, helmets, and face shields with filter lenses.
   • Filters must meet specific shade number requirements based on the task, protecting against harmful electromagnetic radiation.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your PPE fits snugly, is clean, and is in good condition.

Employer Responsibility: Conducting Hazard Assessments

This includes considering:

• The type and exposure level of hazards.
• Additional protective gear required.
• Individual vision needs (e.g., prescription glasses).

When an injury occurs, quick action is crucial. OSHA mandates eyewash stations in any workplace with eye injury risks.

Immediate Steps for Eye Injuries

These stations should:

• Provide clean, contaminant-free water.
• Flush eyes continuously for at least 15 minutes.

For Different Scenarios:

• Foreign Particles (e.g., dust, wood chips):
  • Notify a coworker.
  • Use the eyewash station to flush both eyes.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Chemical Exposure:
  • Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific chemical instructions.
  • Flush eyes immediately and continue until emergency responders arrive.
• Blunt Force or Penetration:
  • Do not use an eyewash station. Seek immediate medical attention.

OSHA Reporting Requirements

Eye injuries requiring medical treatment must be reported to OSHA within 24 hours. This includes:

• Hospitalization.
• Eye loss or significant impairment.

Employers should maintain detailed records, including the incident’s cause, treatment provided, and days missed from work.

Expand your knowledge with our Eye Protection Hazards & Prevention Training Course.

This course provides an introduction to workplace eye safety, but there’s more to learn. For a deeper understanding of hazard assessments, OSHA compliance, and advanced prevention techniques, consider enrolling in our Eye Protection Hazards & Prevention Training Course.

References

OSHA – Eye and Face Protection

CDC – Eye Safety Topics

OSHA – Eye and Face Protection Standards