Eye Safety at Work

Common Workplace Eye Hazards

Different industries pose different risks, so make sure you follow the safety guidelines of your profession. In general, most hazards fall into the following categories:

1. Impact and Flying Particles: Jobs involving cutting, grinding, drilling, or hammering can send wood, metal, or concrete particles flying into the air. Even small particles can scratch the cornea or become embedded in the eye, leading to painful injuries or infections.

2. Chemical Splashes and Fumes: Workers in cleaning, laboratory, healthcare, and manufacturing environments may be exposed to dangerous chemicals. Splashes, vapors, and gases can cause burns, irritation, or permanent damage to the eye’s internal structures.

3. Radiation and Light Exposure: Welders, electricians, and workers in foundries or other high-heat environments face exposure to infrared radiation and ultraviolet (UV) light. Without protection, these can lead to “welder’s flash” or long-term retinal damage.

4. Dust and Particulates: Construction, landscaping, and mining professionals often work in dusty conditions. These fine particles may seem harmless but can irritate the eyes, cause chronic dryness, or scratch the corneal surface.

5. Digital Eye Strain: In office settings, the risks are different but still significant. Prolonged exposure to screens can cause digital eye strain, a condition marked by dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain.

Eye Safety by Industry

Construction and Manufacturing

These sectors have some of the highest rates of eye injury. Employers must provide ANSI Z87.1-compliant eye protection and train workers on when and how to use it. Depending on the task, protection may include safety glasses, face shields, or full goggles.

Healthcare and Laboratory Work

Protecting against biological and chemical hazards is crucial. Lab technicians and medical personnel should wear splash goggles, face shields, and practice strict hygiene when handling infectious materials.

Welding and Electrical Work

Welders should use properly rated helmets with auto-darkening lenses to protect against both flying sparks and dangerous light emissions. Even bystanders need protection, as UV light from welding arcs can travel and cause injury.

Agriculture and Landscaping

Fertilizers, pesticides, dust, and sunlight make eye protection important in outdoor settings. Wraparound glasses with UV protection are a smart investment, especially when operating machinery or trimming foliage.

Office Work

For desk-based professionals, preventing eye strain is key. The 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away—helps reduce fatigue. Proper lighting, ergonomic monitor placement, and screen filters can also help.

Types of Protective Eyewear

The right eyewear depends on the type of hazard and job role:

• Safety Glasses: Basic protection against flying debris. Can be prescription or non-prescription.
  
• Goggles: Form a seal around the eyes to protect against dust, chemicals, and splashes.
  
• Face Shields: Used in combination with goggles or glasses, especially when exposure to heat, light, or hazardous liquids is possible.
  
• Welding Helmets: Provide full-face protection with shading for UV and infrared radiation.
  
• Screen Glasses: Designed to reduce blue light exposure and minimize eye strain during screen use.

Always make sure your protective eyewear is certified and fits properly. Poorly fitting glasses can offer a false sense of security while leaving gaps for particles or liquids to enter.

Eye Safety Best Practices

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Employers should assess job sites regularly to identify potential eye hazards and address them through training and equipment.
   
2. Provide the Right Equipment: Every worker should have access to appropriate eye protection. One-size-fits-all solutions often fail, so gear must be suited to both the task and the individual.
   
3. Establish Clear Safety Policies: Eye safety protocols should be part of the company’s health and safety plan. Policies must be communicated during onboarding and reinforced with ongoing training.
   
4. Encourage Prompt Reporting: Even minor eye injuries or discomfort should be reported immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications.
   
5. Offer Eye Exams: Vision problems increase the risk of workplace accidents. Regular eye exams for employees can help identify issues early and ensure they have the correct vision correction, if needed.
   
6. Maintain a Clean Work Environment: In dusty or dirty workplaces, good housekeeping practices reduce the risk of airborne particles.
   
7. Train on Emergency Procedures: All employees should know where to find eye wash stations and how to respond if someone is exposed to a harmful substance or injured.
   

Long-Term Vision Protection

Workplace eye injuries don’t always result in immediate vision loss. Repeated minor damage, uncorrected strain, and delayed treatment can all lead to long-term issues. Employers and employees must recognize that investing in eye safety isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s about preserving lifelong sight.

Creating a culture of safety, using the right gear, and staying proactive about vision care ensures that workers not only see clearly today but protect their eyes for the future.

Protect Your Vision for the Long Run with Tennessee Eye Care

For expert support in maintaining your vision on the job and beyond, schedule an eye exam with the experienced team at Tennessee Eye Care. We’re here to help you work safely and see as clearly as possible—no matter your profession.