Eye injuries, ranging from minor irritation to significant vision loss, occur in workplaces across Canada. However, most eye injuries are preventable with the proper protective measures and equipment. Understanding the specific eye risks you could face—and the precautions you can take to minimize them—is essential for ensuring your safety at work.
Top Causes of Eye Injuries
Workplace eye injuries can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Falling debris
- Falling objects
- Excessive screen use
- Equipment- and tool-related incidents
- Chemical splashes
- Harmful radiation
Occupational eye injuries can vary in nature. They may involve blunt force trauma, such as a black eye, or penetrating trauma, such as a corneal abrasion. They may also entail chemical burns, digital eye strain or retinal disorders. Such conditions could carry severe consequences. Some injuries may even have lasting impacts, causing permanent pain or vision loss.
Protection Against Eye Injuries
To protect your eyes from injuries at work, consider these recommendations:
- Identify and take steps to mitigate potential eye hazards in the workplace before starting your tasks for the day.
- Select safety glasses or goggles that are appropriate for the job at hand and fit your unique facial features. Your safety eyewear should rest firmly on the top of your nose and close to, but not against, your face.
- Utilize safety eyewear that is properly ventilated for the work you are performing. Unless you are working near chemical splash hazards, use safety glasses or goggles with plenty of side ventilation.
- Avoid using safety eyewear that becomes foggy. If your safety glasses or goggles fog easily, try another model with additional ventilation or coat them with an anti-fog liquid.
- Keep your safety eyewear clean. Scratches and dirt can reduce your vision and cause glare, potentially contributing to accidents and injuries.
- Know how to respond to an eye injury. If you or a co-worker gets hurt at work, report it promptly and seek medical attention.
Note that if you wear prescription glasses, it’s crucial to select safety eyewear designed to fit over them or use eyewear made with your prescription.
Contact your supervisor if you have any additional questions about ensuring eye safety in the workplace.