Reid Supply Offers Eye Protection Tips for Workers

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment each day. About one third of those injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments, and more than 100 of those result in one or more days of lost work each day.

Most eye-related injuries result from small particles or objects striking the eye. Metal, wood, and cement are frequently ejected by tools; are blown into eyes; or fall into workers eyes. These are often serious injuries and 10-20 % will cause temporary or permanent vision loss. Nearly one million Americans have lost some degree of their sight due to an eye injury.

The NIOSH has established a checklist to help employers to combat this kind of injury.

Five Point Eye Safety Checklist (NIOSH)

1. Create a safe work environment

Minimize hazards from falling or unstable debris.Make sure that tools work and safety features (machine guards) are in place.
Make sure that workers (particularly volunteers) know how to use tools properly.
Keep bystanders out of the hazard area.

2. Evaluate safety hazards.

Identify the primary hazards at the site.
Identify hazards posed by nearby workers, large machinery, and falling/shifting debris.

3. Wear the proper eye and face protection.

Select the appropriate Z87 eye protection for the hazard.
Make sure the eye protection is in good condition.
Make sure the eye protection fits properly and will stay in place.

4. Use good work practices.

Caution—Brush, shake, or vacuum dust and debris from hardhats, hair, forehead, or the top of the eye protection before removing the protection.
Do not rub eyes with dirty hands or clothing.
Clean eyewear regularly.

5. Prepare for eye injuries and first aid needs.

Have an eye wash or sterile solution on hand.

To assist employers in communicating the importance of diligent eye protection, the NIOSH has created an Eye Safety Tool Box Talk – Instructor’s Guide. The guide helps the instructor by directing the conversation to specific question and answers, such as:

• How many work-related eye injuries are there each day?
• What are the eye hazards at your site?
• How can you reduce those eye hazards?
• And many more.

PreventBlindness.org recommends that employers establish a 100% mandatory program for eye protection in all operation areas of the employers worksites. A broad program prevents more injuries and is easier to enforce than one that limits eye protection to certain departments, areas, or jobs. Select protective eyewear that is designed for the specific duty or hazard. Protective eyewear must meet the current standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and later revisions.

Employers can find more information and get helpful workplace links at the Reid Supply Company Health and Workplace Safety section at ReidSupply.com/workplace-safety.aspx.

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Source : PRweb