Workplace Eye Wellness Month is an annual campaign observed in March to raise awareness about the importance of eye health in the workplace.
Purpose:
- Promote eye safety practices among employees
- Educate about common eye injuries and diseases related to work
- Encourage regular eye exams and proper eye protection
According to the CDC, every single day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. There are more than 15,000 welding equipment-related eye injuries a year and power tools come in second, contributing to nearly 10,000 eye injuries a year. Nearly one million Americans have already lost some degree of sight due to an eye injury.
Common causes of workplace eye injuries are flying debris like metal pieces or glass, tools, chemicals, harmful radiation and eye strain due to digital devices. Most injuries occur when eye protection is worn but it is improper or ill-fitting and when eye protection isn’t worn at all.
What are potential eye hazards at work?
Eye hazards can take many forms with such a wide array of workplace environments.
- Sharp objects or metal striking, scraping, or penetrating the eye
- Chemical splashes
- Thermal burns to the eye and surrounding area
How can workplace hazards be eliminated?
It’s vital that every workplace prioritize a safe environment. Here are some steps that can be taken to implement safer conditions:
- Educate and train all employees on dangers specific to your workplace.
- Instill procedures that encourage safety throughout the workplace. This should include information on where protective equipment, first-aid kits and emergency eye wash stations are located.
- Ensure employees working in hazardous environments have access to and are wearing eye safety equipment at all times.
- Install barriers such as shields in areas prone to flying debris and dust.
To prevent an eye injury at work, follow these tips:
- Know the eye safety hazards at work by completing an eye hazard assessment.
- Eliminate hazards before starting work. Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls.
- Use proper eye protection that fits correctly such as non-prescription or prescription safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, or full-face respirators.
- In an office setting, excessive computer, tablet, and smart phone use throughout the day increases the risk of digital eye strain. Symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches.
- To help reduce the effects of digital eye strain it is recommended that workers take frequent breaks by using the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to reset and replenish themselves.
How can I protect my eyes at work?
The best way to protect your eyes from hazards is to wear personal protective eyewear that best suits your work conditions at all times. Be sure to use eye protection that is not cracked or scratched in a way that impairs vision, and that fits your head and face correctly.
Eye protection options include:
- goggles
- face shields
- safety glasses
- full-face respirators
Brush away or vacuum any dust and/or objects from hair, facial area or hats before you remove your protective eyewear. Clean your eyewear after use. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly washed.
It’s also important to have regular eye exams — recommended every two years — to ensure your vision is in good condition to safely perform your job.
What should I do if my eyes have been harmed in the workplace?
In the event of a cut or injury:
- Do not attempt to remove any objects lodged in the eye.
- Do not attempt to touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye.
- Place a patch or shield over the area around your eye to protect it.
- Go to the nearest eye trauma center or emergency department.
In the event of chemical or dust/debris exposure to the eye:
- Find the nearest eyewash station at your workplace and flush out your eye immediately before seeking medical attention. In the event an eyewash station is not near or accessible, any source of clean water may be used.
In the event that you are hit in the eye area:
- Do not attempt to apply pressure to the eye.
- Use ice or a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
- Contact your eye doctor to discuss the injury and if additional treatment is needed.