Construction areas and industrial settings are two of the most dangerous workplaces when it comes to eye safety. Improper use of equipment and negligence regarding safety procedures can result in injuries, blindness and even death. Eye injuries are common in these environments, and are usually due to impact, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation or harmful chemicals.
As we observe Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, your trusted eye doctor from I See Vision Care discusses the importance of wearing proper eye gear in construction and industrial settings in the first part of this two-part blog.
Wearing Proper Safety Eyewear
Proper eye protection can protect you from eye injuries. In fact, statistics show that 90% of all workplace-related injuries could have been avoided through proper safety eyewear.
The type of protective eyewear you need depends on the hazards in your working environment. If you are in a workplace that has particles, dust or flying objects, you should wear safety glasses with side shields. If you are dealing with chemicals, you must wear goggles. If you’re exposed to harmful radiation like welding, fiber optics or lasers, wear special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, a face shield or a helmet.
How You Can Prevent Eye Injuries at Work
Observe and study the areas in your workplace. Be more cautious in places with equipment that could be hazardous to the eyes. An eyewash station is essential especially if you’re working with chemicals. Make sure you are prepared and trained in basic first aid procedures for eye injuries.
Undergoing eye exams during employee physical exams can minimize accidents in the workplace due to vision problems like binocular vision dysfunction or improper sight alignment.
Make wearing protective eyewear in the workplace mandatory. Such eyewear should be comfortable and fit well. Keep in mind that workers will be more likely to comply with these rules if the management abides by them too.
Investing in quality eyewear ensure your safety and while also improving productivity in the workplace. As your leading provider of neurovisual care, I See Vision Care is the name to trust for your eye care needs. We specialize in treatments for traumatic brain injury or TBI concussion and vision problems too. Call us at (561) 733-9008 or complete our online contact form. We help patients in Boynton Beach, FL.
Dr. Erin Sonneberg
Dr. Erin Sonneberg, OD, received her Doctor of Optometry degree from New England School of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts in 2004. She completed her undergraduate studies at City University of New York, Queens College in 2000, where she graduated with honors in business. Dr. Sonneberg relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida, in 2006, and has been practicing alongside prestigious ophthalmologists in the area since that time.
