How to prevent eye injuries in the workplace

Eye injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries, yet 90% of all eye injuries could have been prevented (Source: NHS.org.uk). Eye injuries can cause serious implications to loss of vision, both temporary and long-term. This blog states the main reasons for eye injuries in the workplace and steps that can be taken to implement eye safety.

Employers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, carpentry, plumbing, welding, auto repair and maintenance have the highest risks of eye injuries. Although eye injuries can occur in any industry.

Potential hazards include:

• Flying debris – this accounts for 70% of serious eye injuries, caused by flying objects such as metal or glass, these can scratch your cornea. 60% of these objects are smaller than a pin head, such as a spark.
• Chemicals – this is caused by chemicals getting accidentally splashed into the eye or an employee touching their eyes after using chemicals, without washing their hands. This can enter the bloodstream, so can cause damage to the rest of the body.
• Foreign bodies – such as dust, debris or metal shavings can be created by the employee or a co-worker carrying out duties such as sanding, cutting, machining etc
• Burns to eye and the surrounding area – when exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) such as from welding or too much sun exposure, or a hot liquid/steam/flames close to the eye.
• Blunt trauma – such as a blow/cut to the eye, from equipment or tools, sharp objects sticking out of machinery, falling objects etc.

Other contributing factors

• Not paying proper attention being careless
• Working when tired/stressed
• Inadequate knowledge on how to operate tools and machinery
• Poor lighting
• Poor eyesight – (it is advisable to have an eye test every 2 years, or more frequently if you have a vision impairment)

When should eye protection be worn?

It is a legal requirement for all employers to provide adequate safety equipment for all employees. All eye safety wear must be fitted correctly for the individual and appropriate for the task, a combination of more than one type of eye protection may be necessary. The NHS states that ‘94% of eye injuries occur from objects or chemicals going around or under the eye. 3 out of 5 workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. The remaining 40% were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection, it was damaged, or it was not fitted correctly.’

Further details on appropriate protective eyewear can be found at Using the right type of PPE – Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to control risks at work – HSE

If you are working in an area where there are flying objects/dust/particles etc such as grinding, hammering, sawing, chiselling etc, or if you are working with chemicals, eye safety is imperative.

If you are working near hazardous radiation such as welding, lasers etc then you must wear special purpose safety glasses/ goggles (with side protection), face shields, helmets or full-face respirators designed for this specific purpose.

What to do if an eye injury occurs.

In all cases ask for help!

If a small particle such as dust/debris gets into your eye or a colleague’s eye, do not rub the eye. Wash hands and immediately use an eye wash or saline solution to thoroughly rinse the eye out (remove contact lenses if applicable.) If eye wash is not available, in an emergency use clean tap water. Seek medical treatment.

If an object is lodged in the eye, e.g. piece of glass, metal etc do not attempt to remove it, rub it, or apply pressure to it. Place a shield/patch over the eye for protection and seek hospital treatment urgently.

For an injury where you are hit in the eye, use ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling, but do not apply pressure. Seek medical advice.

If chemicals get in the eye, flush the eye out immediately and call an ambulance and notify them of the chemical you were using.

If a burn occurs to the eye, apply a cool compress, and seek medical attention.

How to prevent eye injuries in the workplace?

Workplaces must prioritise safe environments, the steps below will help to prevent the risk of eye injuries.

1. Carry out a risk assessment, (link to Risk Assessment blog) which highlights the hazards that could cause eye injuries in relation to everyday tasks
2. Eliminate those hazards before starting work e.g. make sure machine guards are in situ, install barriers where there is a high risk of flying debris, ensure adequate lighting
3. Educate and train all employees on dangers within the workplace, including importance of wearing correct PPE, first aid kits/eye wash stations and what to do in case of an eye injury.
4. Make sure correct eye protection is worn
5. Maintenance of safety equipment – make sure it is clean and if it is damaged (scratched, cracked etc), replace it before commencing work.
6. Ensure personal hygiene e.g. brush away dust/objects from hair/face or hats before removing protective wear. Use gloves if applicable and wash hands regularly, particularly after handling chemicals.
7. Regularly check stocks of first aid/eyewash and have a dedicated eye wash area.
8. Put safety signage in places of risk.
9. Encourage regular eye examinations.
10. Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Takeaways

Eye injuries are serious.

Before starting work identify hazards and put safeguards in place.

Make sure everyone adheres to safety regulations and standards.

Always wear the correct PPE for the task.

Follow correct procedures if an eye injury occurs.

If in doubt ask!

Eye injuries can be prevented through wearing appropriate eye protection, through education and training and proper maintenance of safety equipment. In addition to affecting a person’s independence and ability to work, it can also cost the company in loss of production time, insurance premiums, fines, and compensation claims.

How we can help

If you would like to know more about risk assessments or toolbox talks on eye protection, please contact us on 01527 833834 or email info@sentinelsafety.co.uk