How to Prevent Eye Injuries at Work

Every workplace has its hazards, and workers always face the risk of an accident that can leave them seriously injured. Workplace eye injuries happen every day, leaving workers with temporary or sometimes permanent vision loss.

Common causes of these injuries include flying particles, tools, chemicals, and harmful radiation. Protective eyewear such as goggles, safety glasses, and face shields can help protect workers. But the use of eyewear should be part of a comprehensive workplace policy.

10 ways to prevent eye injuries at the workplace

Employers have a responsibility to take steps to protect workers from eye injuries. Here are 10 ways they can meet that responsibility from Prevent Blindness:

1. Assess: Thoroughly examine all operations for potential eye hazards. This includes work areas, access routes, and equipment. Carefully review eye accident and injury reports. Then identify areas of risk.
2. Test: Include vision testing in routine employee physical exams to identify uncorrected vision problems that can lead to accidents.
3. Protect: Choose protective eyewear that is appropriate for the specific duty or hazard. Check to see that it meets current Occupational Safety and Health Act standards.
4. Participate: Implement a mandatory eye protection program in all plant operation areas. A broad program is easier to enforce than one that is limited to certain areas or departments.
5. Fit: Ensure that workers have protective eyewear that fits comfortably and properly by having it fitted by a trained eye care professional. Provide repairs for eyewear and require workers to take responsibility for their own gear.
6. Plan for emergencies: Develop first-aid procedures that should be followed for eye injuries. Make sure that eyewash stations are readily available, especially in areas where chemicals are used. Provide basic first-aid training to workers and identify those with advanced training.
7. Educate: Conduct ongoing educational programs addressing the importance of using protective eyewear. Incorporate eye safety into regular employee training programs and new employee orientation.
8. Support: Management support is crucial to the success of an eye safety program. Managers can show support by wearing protective gear when required.
9. Review: Regularly review and update accident prevention policies, and look for ways to improve them.
10. Put it in writing: Document your safety program and display it in employee gathering areas. Review the policy in new employee orientations.

An experienced attorney can fight for you

If you do suffer a workplace eye injury in Pennsylvania, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include coverage of medical expenses and partial lost wages. But that doesn’t mean your claim for benefits will be approved. That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

At Vellner Law, P.C., we have decades of experienced handling workers’ compensation claims. We know how the system works. Our legal team investigates your accident to get the facts and build a strong case for benefits. We can guide you through the process every step of the way, including representing you at all Bureau of Workers’ Compensation hearings.

Don’t delay. Make sure that you get the benefits you deserve. If you’ve been hurt at work, contact us to schedule a free consultation.