7 Ways to Reduce Eye Injuries in the Workplace

Each day in the U.S., an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace. In addition to the costs and personal devastation to the injured worker, the cost to employers is approximately $300 million per year in medical expenses, workers compensation, and lost production time. Fortunately, eye injuries can be prevented. Use these 7 tips to keep the workplace eye-injury free:

1. Wear proper eye protection. It is estimated that this one simple step can prevent up to 90% of work-related eye injuries. Be sure eye protection is properly fitted and meets the related standards for the job at hand.
2. Examine the work environment, including work areas, equipment, access routes as well as previous eye injury reports.  Use the information to determine potential hazards and eradicate them.
3. Make routine vision testing during employee physical exams a priority. Improper vision can lead to accidents.
4. Add eye safety to ongoing training programs and have new employee orientations that highlight the need for protective eyewear and accident prevention.
5. Display a copy of your company‚s eye safety program in work and employee gathering areas. Routinely review and update accident prevention policies.
6. Have management play an active role in having a successful eye safety program by wearing protective eyewear whenever necessary.
7. Plan for emergencies by setting up eyewash stations that are easily accessible. Train workers in basic first-aid for handling eye injuries.