Page 40 - OHS, October 2020

PPE: VISION PROTECTION
Eye Protection: Identify Risks, Squash Complaints & Choose Wisely
Why do workers willingly put their vision at risk by foregoing protective eyewear?
BY CHRIS COTA
An average of 2,000 U.S. workers suffer eye injuries requiring medical treatment each day with 100 resulting in missed workdays for recovery. Eye injuries are one of the most common incidents on jobsites, and they cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker’s compensation—not to mention potentially lifelong consequences for the worker. Considering safety glasses are mandated on a majority of worksites, those numbers are pretty staggering.
So, why is it that workers willingly put their vision at risk by foregoing protective eyewear? We blame low-quality specs. Safety glasses lacking in comfort, performance and style tend to find their way off of workers’ faces, leaving them susceptible to injury. Educating site managers and workers on choosing the right eyewear is critical for a culture of compliance.
Identifying Workplace Hazards
The first step to proper workplace eye safety is identifying potential dangers. Safety hazards to eyes include (but are not limited to):
■ Flying Objects. If a task requires cutting, chipping, grinding or other activities that could lead to flying particles, eyes will be exposed to potentially harmful airborne objects.
■ Dust. Whether kicked up by wind or work, dusty worksites can be a real nuisance. Wear snug- fitting construction safety glasses and employ engineering controls like guards or wet-cutting methods for extra eye protection.
■ Ultraviolet (UV) Light. Exposure to bright ultraviolet (UV) light can inflame the cornea, causing welder’s flash. Flash burns are like sunburn in the eye and, left untreated, can become infected and cause vision loss. Workers near welders should wear special screens or shaded lenses to block the flash. If welding, wear specialized welding helmets with rated lenses.
■ Sunlight. In addition to the havoc it can wreak on your skin, sun exposure can also do a number on the eyes. Outdoor workers should opt for UV safety glasses with UV-resistant lenses.
■ Chemicals. Workers using chemicals should wear a snug pair of protective goggles and/or a combination of a face shield and protective eyewear,
36 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2020
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