Workplace Eye Safety

In a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was found that three out of five workers who suffered an eye injury wore no protection. Of those who did, 40 percent wore the wrong kind.

If you are working where there is a chance that machines or operations present the hazard of flying objects, chemicals, harmful radiation or a combination of these or other hazards, you should wear safety eyewear.

Follow these simple steps, provided by the USACHPPM Tri-Service Vision Conservation & Readiness Program, to ensure the safety of your eyes in the workplace, where over 365,000 eye injuries occur each year.

• Always observe eye safety signs and procedures.
• Always wear appropriate ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z87 approved eye protection in clean and serviceable condition for mechanical, chemical, biological or radiant energy hazards.
• Never wear contact lenses where smoke, dust, and chemical fumes exist nor in basic training nor deployment.
• Wear ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) F803 approved eye guards that contain lenses to play racquet sports.
• Know where the eye wash fountain is and know how to use and maintain it.
• Know basic first aid for eye injury so you may help yourself and your fellow worker.
• Have an eye examination by your doctor every two or three years, or sooner as directed, to ensure you have good vision to do your job safely and efficiently.
• Report to your supervisor hazards and unsafe practices that may cause eye injury.
• Encourage your fellow workers to practice eye safety and receive annual eye safety training.
• Use common sense in all activities potentially hazardous to the eye.