Eye injuries can occur in any workplace, but there are certain workplaces that incur higher risks. Making sure that you are providing/using safety glasses that comply with standards is only part of the battle. Selecting the right frames for the job is an essential start.
Higher risk occupations:
If you work in one of the following industries, you are more liable to eye injuries:
- construction
- manufacturing
- mining
- carpentry
- auto repair
- electrical
- plumbing
- welding
- maintenance
Potential Eye Hazards:
You need to wear or provide workplace eye protection when the following potential eye hazards are present:
- Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles)
- Chemicals (splashes and fumes)
- Radiation (visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers)
- Blood borne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids
What protection does my job need?
The type of workplace eye protection you need depends on the particular hazards you face in your workplace:
- If you work in an area that has particles, flying objects or dust, you must wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields).
- If you work with chemicals, you must wear goggles.
- If you work near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers or fiber optics) you must use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets designed for the task.
- If you work in cold environments, safety glasses with anti-fog coating is optimal.
- If you work in front of an electronic screen, a blue light blocking coating will help reduce eye strain.
Solution:
Know the eye protection needs for your working environment. Do you place side shields on your conventional prescription or fashion eyeglasses? Placing side shields on them is not enough protection to meet the OSHA requirements for many work environments. Are you unsure about what workplace eye protection that you need for your workplace? Simply arrange a meeting with a safety eyewear program provider to assess your needs. It is always better to be safe.
For employers, provide the right safety frames for the employees suited for the the job. Make sure they meet international safety standards (we will cover this next week!).
For employees, seek your company’s safety administrator if you’re worried the frames you’re given are not providing sufficient protection. This not only helps safeguards your eyes, but your fellow workers as well.
Tune in next week for another #SafetyTuesdayTip
A safety eyewear program is not expensive or difficult to implement.
Download our FREE report! “6 Things You Need to Know When Choosing a Safety Eyewear Program Provider”
