Easy Ways to Avoid Eye Injuries at Work

Eye injuries in the workplace make up an alarming 45% of all head injuries that lead to missed work days. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20,000 workplace eye injuries happen each year.
  The good news is that 90% of serious eye injuries can be prevented by simply wearing protective eyewear. Taking a few seconds to put on safety glasses can protect against many injuries, including flying debris, chemicals, particles, work machinery and other tools. Eyewear with added UV protection can also safeguard against the sun‚s rays by shielding eyes from direct AND reflected sunlight. Additionally, it improves vision by helping the wearer see more clearly in bright sunlight - which is a must for those working in dangerous occupations, particularly construction and roadwork.
  Other ways to sidestep eye injuries in the workplace are making routine vision testing a priority as well as setting up the work environment to eliminate potential hazards. Implementing ongoing eye safety programs and orientation training for new employees that highlight the importance of eye safety can go a long way in the prevention of eye injuries. Be sure that workers are familiarized with the locations of eyewash stations and that they are trained in how to access and use the products to effectively handle eye injuries should they occur.