4 Tips to Avoid Workplace Eye Injuries

Millions of eye injuries happen every year, and a significant portion of these occur in workplace settings. 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) found that 13 million people have vision impairment linked to their work. Unfortunately, this impairment affects their quality of life and puts them at a higher risk of unemployment. 

4 Tips to Avoid Workplace Eye Injuries

With this in mind, it’s vital to establish initiatives that workers can follow and rely on to minimize the chance of getting an ocular injury. These core tips should provide a basic framework of protective measures for workers in danger of being impaired visually:

Assess the Risks Before Starting Work

Assessment is a crucial step that should never be skipped. After all, the environment and situations can change with each day. It’s essential to take time to assess everything around you and be aware of any potential risks to your eyesight. Consider things like glare, sharp objects, machines, thermal conditions, and sources of harsh chemicals. Even if you are at a safe distance, you may still be prone to splashes, accidents, and other unexpected incidents. 

Many workers underestimate the risks around them, mainly when they rely heavily on muscle memory and the notion that other safeguards are likely in place. Additionally, a 2024 analysis from Workera revealed that seven out of 10 employees dangerously underestimate or overestimate their skill levels. It only takes one mishap to cause irreversible damage to your eyes, so assess the risks before starting any work.

Wear the Proper Protective Gear for the Task

Plenty of protective gear is available for your eyes and face, but the problems come when you treat every piece of equipment as interchangeable. You need to know the differences between different gear types and what suits the task you are in charge of. With the proper eyewear, you can prevent up to 90% of ocular injuries from workplace accidents. 

CSA Z94.3 safety standards classify eye protection into seven categories depending on your environment and application. The substances and instruments you work with will determine the material of your eyewear and how much coverage they provide. You may also need prescription safety glasses if you require vision correction. This will ensure you meet ANSI and OSHA safety standards while addressing your specific eye needs. Workers should not sacrifice one over the other, as visual clarity will be crucial in preventing accidents caused by human error.

Enforce a Workplace Policy for Eye Protection 

Floor managers and other supervisors in charge of policies should enforce protective measures for vision, not just to meet compliance but to ensure better workplace wellness. This will also help minimize employee grievance, which commonly stems from poor working conditions, inadequate health and safety services, and irrational targets and standards. 

Programs should be established to inform every worker of best practices and first-aid solutions for accidents. Procedures should be carefully laid out, with ample reminders throughout the workplace. Information should also be available to employees needing emergency aid, eye wash stations, and replacement gear. Policies should also be in place for cleanliness and maintenance that ensure the environment is most conducive to healthy vision while doing intensive tasks.

Orient, Reorient, and Review

Complacency is another risk factor to consider, but you can combat this by orienting every worker and reviewing whether everything is in order. For individuals, it’s essential to double-check that gear, tools, and machinery are working correctly. Any protective equipment should also be checked for durability, condition, and fit. Aside from comfort, you must ensure your protective eyewear and screens are correctly fitted so they don’t unexpectedly fall off. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also notes that workers often acquire eye diseases through the mucous membranes of the eye “as a result of direct exposure to… blood splashes, droplets from coughing or sneezing… from touching the eyes with a contaminated finger or object.” These can lead to life-threatening diseases and permanent vision loss. As such, guidelines should also be updated in line with any changes in staffing, operations, and conditions.