It is only common sense to keep the eyes safe when there are potential risks involved, particularly to the face. While workers do not need to put on safety eyewear all the time, there are regulations that organizations should meet regarding wearing protective eyewear such as Bolle safety glasses. To prevent injuries at the workplace, know that there are specific tasks that demand wearing protective eyewear.
Types of Eye Injuries
The following are eye injuries that typically occur in the workplace:
- Chemicals
This involves hazardous chemicals that can cause watering and burning of the eyes upon penetration.
- Blunt objects
These are materials or tools that can damage the eyes severely.
- Bloodborne pathogens
The people working in healthcare are at risk with these pathogens, particularly when dealing with infectious diseases.
- UV radiation
This can bring about problems with your vision.
- Foreign matter
This can gain entry in the eye, which can lead to scratches or abrasions.
Activities at work that entail the use of protective eyewear:
Woodworking
If a worker is doing woodwork such as planning wood or cutting it, there is a likelihood that a piece of it can splinter and hit the eye. Also, sanding work can cause irritation to the eye, which can lead to cornea scratching.
Healthcare risks
Healthcare workers are prone to having an infectious disease, and some of these diseases penetrate the eye through the mucous membrane. It is vital for a clinician to use safety glasses in circumstances that blood could splatter. As much as these healthcare professionals protect their faces and skin with masks and gloves, the eyes require protection too.
Welding
Another profession that involves high-risk activities is welding. This job consists of a lot of exposure to radiation, fumes, and vapours, not to mention the flying particles. To keep the eyes of the welder safe, it is critical to use face shield, safety goggles, and protective eyewear like Bolle safety glasses.
Construction works
The construction site is typically a high-risk environment with multiple threats to the eye. The main culprits are falling debris and stray nails. At every area of the building, the construction workers must wear safety glasses, especially when using heavy-duty tools and machinery.
Chemical handling
Many types of workers handle chemicals regularly, for example, in a laboratory setting. Therefore, scientists, medical technologists, pathologists, microbiologists, biologists, and many other specialists must protect their eyes while working, along with wearing gloves to protect their hands. This is because chemicals are usually liquid and could splash at any time.
Manufacturing machinery work
The manufacturing industry has seenmany eye injuries among the workers, depending on the task of the employee. Many workers in a manufacturing company maintain and operate heavy machinery. Regardless of what the equipment does, it could potentially malfunction and impact the eyes.
Heavy-duty cleaning
If workers are using strong cleaning solutions, it is essential that they wear safety glasses. These cleaning products often come with fumes that could infiltrate the eyes and result in other problems. If you think wearing protective eyewear is not necessary when working with harsh cleaning products, you may find yourself facing more serious consequences.
If you are working in such environments, it is time to increase the safety measures by wearing the right protective gear like Bolle safety glasses. When you aim to reduce injuries at the workplace, prevention is key.
Featured image courtesy of sawinery