Eye Safety at Work
Seeing is important. But it's surprising how many jobs we do without protecting our eyes. Eye protection is required at work when there is a risk of an eye injury, illness or infection.
Our eyes can be harmed by:
- Dust
- Flying objects
- Sparks
- Light rays (lasers, bright sunlight, light from welding)
- Germs (blood, infected milk)
- Chemicals
When these substances contact our eyes, they can injure the eye or cause an infection which can lead to time off work. Sometimes these incidents can cause blindness. Having the correct eye protection can help reduce the risk of eye injuries, illnesses, and infections. This is important to remember both at work and when doing projects at home.
Types of eye protection
There are many types of eye protection, so knowing which one is the right kind to use is crucial. The following are types of eye protection:
- Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
- Safety goggles
- Face shields
- Welding helmets
- Full-face respirators
Safety Goggles provide essential, sealed eye protection against impacts, chemicals, bodily fluids and debris. Primary types include: - Direct vent (for dust/flying particles)
- Indirect-vent (splash-resistant)
- Non-vented (vapor/fume protection)
- Specialized options such as anti-fog, laser-resistant, welding, and over-the-glass (OTG) models for prescription eyewear.
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When on the Job…
Employers are responsible for providing eye protection, when needed. Before you start work, ask your employer:
- Are there any eye hazards in the workplace?
- Which tasks in the workplace require eye protection?
- Where can I find eye protection?
- How to reduce eye hazards in the workplace?
Your employer must also train you in the different types of eye protection and how to use them. Workers should be familiar with the company policy on how to get eye protection, where to store it, and when and how to get a replacement.
Other Safety Considerations
Your workplace must have an emergency eye wash station if your eyes may come in contact with a substance that is toxic by absorption or can cause:
- Chemical damage
- Severe irritation
- Permanent tissue damage
Always check if the correct eye protection is worn for the specific hazard. For example, to protect against splashes or high levels of dust, you can use safety goggles. If you are working in a bright, sunny environment, safety glasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection should be provided.
If fogging becomes an issue, there are anti-fog options for both glasses and safety goggles.
If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear safety goggles over your prescription glasses if the goggles are designed for this. Or you may want to look into getting prescription safety glasses or goggles. Your vision shouldn't be blurry or distorted if your eye protection is fitted properly.
Finally, don't forget to schedule a yearly eye exam. It'll ensure your eyes don't have any issues or current vision problems haven't gotten worse.