Workplace hazards can, quite literally, lead to injuries in the blink of an eye. Your eyes are one of your most valuable senses, and are definitely not something to take for granted. Protecting yourself should be high on your list of things to remember while working. Any negligence could lead to devastating injuries, long-term pain or side effects, or even loss of eyesight, if an accident were to occur. Common worksite hazards types can include, but are not limited to:

• Flying particles and objects from grinding, sawing, etc.;
• Extreme heat;
• Sparks from welding;
• Molten metal;
• Harmful dusts from wood, metal, etc.;
• Fumes and splashes; and
• Radiant energy, glares, or harmful light

It is important to adhere to company policies and wear the right kind of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your job. Keep in mind that eye injuries are often preventable with the use of the right kind of protective eyewear, and the majority of those who are injured were wearing no eye protection at all. Follow these eye safety basics to help protect yourself while working at any job that could cause eye damage:

Wear eye protection: This includes safety glasses, goggles, shields, and helmets. This may help to reduce the number of eye injuries in your workplace, and demonstrate to others that wearing eye protection is important and necessary. Review communications from your employer identifying hazardous duties, and ensure you are wearing the correct PPE, including eye protection, any time your work could lead to potential injury.

Keep it clean and fit for use: Keep your eye protection in good, clean working order. Maintain, repair, or replace dirty, scratched or worn out eye protection equipment. Eyewash and lens cleaning stations should be accessible at all times.

Wear the right protection for the job: To help avoid serious injury, wearing the right protection for your job is imperative. Review information from your employer regarding your job duties, potential hazards, and correct equipment so you can help maintain a safe environment.

Review the hazard analysis conducted by your employer, which will identify possible risks as well as steps on how to help maintain a safe environment. If an eye injury occurs on the job, it is necessary to take action immediately. Be aware of workplace first-aid procedures, policies, and the location of eyewash stations. Find the posted safety signs in your working areas, and stay alert for violations and errors in procedure. Where you have questions, ask your manager. Report hazards or incidents, and participate in the development of procedures.

Eye safety is no joke, but injuries are largely preventable. Added caution and proper protection could help you avoid a sight-stealing injury, and keep you safe at work. Federated is proud to be an association member partner with ASA since 2020. Reach out to your local Federated Insurance marketing representative for more risk management information.