Workplace Eye Injuries: A Preventable Hazard

Understanding Workplace Eye Safety

According to Prevent Blindness, over 700,000 Americans sustain an eye injury at work each year. The good news is that by taking proper precautions and using safety eye-gear, 90% of on-the-job eye injuries can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know.

Occupations with the Highest Risk of Eye Injuries

According to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, working in the following industries can pose a higher risk of sustaining an eye injury:

• Manufacturing
• Construction (includes extraction)
• Trade
• Production
• Installation
• Maintenance and repair

The statistics also showed that men have a much higher rate (81%) of on-the-job eye injuries than women.

How to Prevent an Eye Injury

Safety should always be the top priority in the workplace. Here are some tips to prevent an eye injury.

• Be aware of your surroundings that can pose eye safety hazards.
• Use appropriate safety goggles or glasses when near potential hazards.
• Know where your nearest eyewash station is located.
• Notify your employer of any potential eye hazards that are noticed.
• Have regular eye exams to ensure good vision to work safely.
• Use eyewear protection that is marked “ANSI Z87.” This means that the eyewear meets the strict standards of The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to prevent or mitigate eye injuries from hazards.

Your employer must abide by Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) standards to supply you with safety training and the equipment and tools that will help prevent an eye injury. If they fail to do so, or if you notice hazards that are not being addressed, you can file an OSHA complaint.

Suffered an Eye Injury? Bandas Law Firm, P.C. Can Help.

Sustaining a severe eye injury is a devastating experience, and when it causes blindness and other visual complications, it can make it that much more distressing.

If you or a loved one has sustained an eye or other work-related injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Know that you are not alone, and we are here to help you recover the money you deserve.

Our caring personal injury lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way so you can focus on recovering from your injury. We’ll be in your corner, working tirelessly to hold the negligent parties accountable for their careless actions.