Common Workplace Eye Injuries and how to Protect Your Eyes at Work

Eye injuries are some of the most common workplace hazards that can affect anyone. From small splinters and dust particles to large sharp objects, any of these can cause serious injury to the eyes. Without proper eye protection, such as safety goggles or glasses, these injuries can be very dangerous and even lead to blindness. It is essential for employers to understand the risks associated with these types of injuries and take steps to prevent them from happening. 

In this article, we will discuss common workplace eye injuries and how employers can protect their workers from them in order to maintain a safe working environment.

The prevalence of workplace eye injuries 

According to studies conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace eye injuries are a common occurrence. In fact, OSHA statistics show that "thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries." in the U.S. alone. These injuries can range from minor irritations to serious damage that requires immediate medical attention. Many of these injuries can be attributed to foreign objects entering the eye, such as dust particles or metal fragments, but some are also caused by chemical splashes and equipment malfunctions.

Common types of eye injuries in the workplace

Here are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries related to the face and eyes. 

1. Chemical burns to the eyes 

Chemical burns are a serious issue that could lead to permanent vision loss. The eyes should be treated immediately. Flush the eyes with water at an eyewash station that uses clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart and moving them around in a circular motion to ensure that all of the chemicals are flushed out and seek medical attention immediately.

2. Foreign objects scratching the eyes 

Foreign objects that can enter the eye can be a hazard in your workplace. They can cause scratching, irritation, and even serious damage. If a foreign object enters the eye, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The doctor may flush out the object with a saline solution or use tweezers to remove it. If the object is embedded in the eye, the doctor may refer you to a specialized eye doctor for further treatment.

3. Ultraviolet radiation exposure

Ultraviolet radiation exposure is a major environmental hazard, although it is often overlooked. UV radiation can affect many workers who often work outside such as those at construction sites and anyone working outdoors. Longer-term exposure can damage the eyes, leading to eye injuries that require medical treatment for issues such as cataracts and other eye diseases. 

4. Digital eyestrain from computer screens 

Digital eyestrain is a modern health issue caused by long exposures to computer screens and other electronic devices. Symptoms of digital eyestrain can range from mild eye strain to severe trauma, such as headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, neck pain, and fatigue. The main culprit in digital eyestrain is the blue light emitted from a work screen. This blue light has been known to disrupt the natural sleep cycle and can cause lasting damage to the eyes if not managed properly. To help reduce the risk of digital eyestrain during long periods spent in front of a computer screen, one should take regular breaks, adjust their work environment for better lighting conditions, reduce glare on

Proper eye safety and preventing common eye injuries at work

1. Wear protective eyewear when necessary 

Whenever necessary, everyone should wear protective eyewear to save the eyes from potential injuries. Surrounding the eye can serve as a layer of protection against hazardous materials that may affect vision. Depending on the situation, there is a variety of safety eyewear available for use at any given time. For example, wearing safety glasses with side protection is ideal for protecting your eyes from debris when working in hazardous environments. Additionally, wearing the right eye protection when doing work activities is also important to prevent potential injuries from occurring. To ensure that you are wearing the right type of eye protection that fits properly to lower the chance of eye injury, it’s always best to consult an optometrist who can recommend suitable options based on your needs and environment. No matter what type of activity you’re doing, it’s important to always ensure you have the appropriate safety eyewear at work.

2. Implement proper lighting in work areas 

Implementing proper lighting in work areas is essential to ensure a safe and productive environment. Poor lighting can lead to fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, and other health issues. Good lighting should provide enough illumination for the tasks being performed, but also be comfortable for the eyes. Natural light should be maximized where possible since it has numerous benefits such as improved concentration, increased productivity, and improved moods. For artificial lighting, LED lamps with adjustable brightness should be used to provide uniform illumination throughout the workspace. These lights are energy efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent lights. 

3. Take regular breaks from computer screens

Taking regular breaks from your screen helps to reduce eye strain, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck pain. It also helps to improve creativity and productivity by giving your mind a chance to rest and reset. Taking regular breaks from your screen will help have fewer eye injuries occur while at work.

Closing thoughts on eye injury prevention and eye health

Eye injury prevention and eye health are important topics, and there are many ways to ensure your safety when it comes to your vision. It's important to remember these injuries can be avoided.

The first step is to identify any potential eye hazards in the environment. Make sure to eliminate hazards before starting work that may pose a risk of eye injury. 

It's also important to conduct regular hazard assessments at work to help prevent eye injuries from occurring. Remember that regularly taking the time to assess the risk of potential eye injuries can save you from having serious long-term consequences.

Additionally, make sure you use appropriate eye and face protection when needed.  With proper care and attention to your vision, you can help ensure your eyes remain healthy for years to come and that you lower your risk for injuries on the job!

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.