Eye Injuries in the Workplace: How to Protect Yourself

According to statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 20,000 workplace eye injuries occurring every year. Because of this, employees are missing work and these specific injuries are costing employers an estimated $300 million in lost productivity, medical treatment, workers’ compensation, and other damages. Many of the cases are just minor eye strain but many others can be extremely severe, such as that which causes permanent damage to the eye. Some of the causes of many of these injuries include flying objects, tools, particles, chemicals, and other hazards.

Because these accidents are becoming so prevalent in the workplace, employers aren’t always sure where to turn to protect their employees. The truth is, wearing the appropriate eyewear can prevent more than 90% of serious eye injuries. Employees should also be properly trained in using equipment that could cause them serious damage. Many of these injuries can be prevented with minimal effort, which is why more efforts must be made.

Eye Protection 

Some of the different types of eye protection that should be made available to you through your employer include non-prescription and prescription safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, and more. Your employer should always be teaching you that you should wear safety glasses whenever there is a chance of sustaining an eye injury. However, much of the eyewear you should wear will be determined depending on the hazards in your workplace. Have you been injured in the workplace and sustained a damaging eye injury and now you wonder where to turn? Call us today at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for more information on how we can help.