March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

The gift of sight is irreplaceable. Thousands of eye injuries occur in the workplace each year, which makes wearing proper eye protection so important. All it takes is a tiny sliver of metal, particle of dust or splash of chemical to cause significant and permanent eye damage. March, which is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, is a great time to review eye and face protection regulations with your employees.

OSHA’s eye and face protection standard (1910.133) states, “the employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”

Whether on the job or working on projects around the house, remember to wear proper safety glasses, goggles or face shields. Follow employer guidelines or the safety instructions provided with the equipment, materials or tools you are using.

In addition:

• Make sure you have properly fitted protection. For example, if your safety glasses slip, or are crooked or too tight, adjust them.
• Keep your protective equipment clean to improve visibility. Wash it regularly with mild soap and water or eyeglass cleaner. Polish with a soft cloth or tissue.
• Use anti-dust and anti-fog sprays to help prevent buildup on your safety glasses.
• Store your protective equipment carefully to avoid damage when not in use. Any damage to lenses or shields can lessen the impact-resistance and result in inadequate protection.

Typical eye injuries occur by rubbed or abraded foreign matter, such as metal chips, dirt particles and splinters, or by striking the eye. Surface wounds, such as abrasions, scratches and foreign bodies (splinters and chips), are among the most common types of injuries to the eyes. Other hazards include, but are not limited to chemicals, adhesives, 

radiation, tools and equipment. The highest categories contributing to eye injuries are related to household, workplace and sports. 

On-the-job eye protection 

You may be exposed to several hazards at the same time. The right equipment can protect your eyes against irritation and injury. Ask your supervisor or industrial hygienist to help you select the right eye protection. 

If you need prescription eyeglasses, make sure your goggles or spectacles have prescription eyeglass lenses or wear extra protection over your prescription eyeglasses. Contact lenses do not provide protection from on-the-job eye hazards. If you wear contact lenses, be extra cautious around gases, vapors, fumes and dust. Wear eye protection 

equipment in addition to contact lenses. Follow the specific management policies on contact lenses in your workplace. 

• Spectacles – Semi/flat-folded sideshield. Provides primary protection against impact and optical radiation. Sideshield spectacles are recommended. 

 • Goggles – There are many different kinds of goggles that vary in appearance and protection. 

o Flexible fitting, regular ventilation. Cushions the face, protects eyes at sides, top and bottom. 

o Flexible fitting, hooded ventilation. Protects against impact, sparks, chemical splashes and dust. 

o Cushioned fit, rigid body. Protects against impact, sparks, chemical splashes, irritating mists and dust. 

o Welding goggles, eyecup type, filter lenses. Protects against glare, sparks and welding flash. 

o Chipping goggles, eyecup type, clear safety lenses. Protects against hot sparks and nuisance dust. 

• Face Shield – Plastic or mesh window. Designed to protect the whole face; must be supplemented with safety glasses. 

• Welding Helmet – Stationary window or lift-front window. Protects from welding, soldering and brazing. Must be supplemented with safety glasses. 

Off-the-job eye protection

Four out of ten accidents that cause blindness happen at home. Off-the-job eye injuries 

happen because of: 

 • Do-it-yourself work on cars and homes. 

• Cooking accidents. 

• Chemical splashes from pesticides, fertilizers, drain cleaners and cleaning sprays. 

• Sports injuries while playing tennis, racquetball, baseball, etc. 

• Yard work from cutting grass, trimming trees/bushes and using a weed wacker. 

Wear the right protection for the job you are doing 

• Choose sunglasses that offer protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 

• Wear eye protection while doing repair jobs and working with chemicals at home. 

• Wear eye protection when playing ball sports. 

• Wear eye protection over contact lenses and prescription eyeglasses. 

What to do in case of an emergency 

Chemical Splash 

• Don’t squeeze eyes shut. Hold them open with thumb and index finger. 

• Flood eyes with cool, clean water for 15-20 minutes. 

• Get medical help as soon as possible. If you can, have the chemical container and its label available for evaluation. 

• Do not use another chemical to neutralize the spilled chemical. 

Flying Particles 

• Do not try to remove anything embedded in the eye. You could cause further damage. 

• Do not pull or squeeze the eye. 

• Cover both eyes to prevent movement. 

• Get medical help as soon as possible. 

Radiation Injuries, Burns 

• If the eyes are exposed to intense heat, flames, lasers or welding radiation, apply ice packs to relieve the pain. 

• Get medical attention as soon as possible. 

Blows to the Eyes 

• Apply ice packs to control swelling and relieve the pain. 

• Cover both eyes to prevent movement. 

• Get medical attention as soon as possible. 

Eyestrain 

• Glare, poor lighting and long periods spent at video display terminals (VDT) can cause eye fatigue, soreness and headaches. 

• Improve the job-site lighting. 

• Give eyes adequate rest.