City and town employees perform a wide range of tasks essential to ensuring that communities are safe, clean and functioning efficiently. Maintaining roads and parks, repairing water lines, collecting refuse and operating heavy equipment often expose workers to hazards that can cause serious eye injuries. Taking proactive steps to protect workers’ vision is an integral part of staying safe on the job.
Eye injuries can happen in an instant. Flying debris, dust, metal fragments, chemical splashes, tree branches and ultraviolet radiation from outdoor work are just a few of the hazards that employees can encounter daily. Even routine tasks such as mowing, tree trimming, metal grinding and the use of power tools can send particles airborne at high speed. Without proper protection, this may result in cuts, burns, punctures or even permanent vision loss.
An effective way to prevent an eye injury is the use of personal protective eye equipment. Safety glasses, equipped with side frame shields, are suitable for many routine maintenance activities, while safety goggles provide additional protection against dust, flying particles and chemical splashes. Face shields offer extra protection for high-impact or splash hazards, but should always be worn in combination with safety glasses or goggles and not as a replacement. Workers should ensure their protective eyewear meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard for occupational eye protection, and fits comfortably to encourage consistent use.
Employers play a critical role in creating a culture of eye safety. Supervisors conducting job hazard assessments and analyses to identify potential eye hazards before work begins is a must. Providing employees with the appropriate protective equipment not only ensures employees are properly equipped, but it also serves as a launch pad in developing a safety culture within teams. Regular training must reinforce the knowledge of when eye protection is required. Additionally, PPE inspection procedures must address inspection schedules, noted damage and the proper cleaning and storage of protective eyewear. Damaged lenses should be replaced promptly, as they may reduce visibility and compromise protection.
Workplace cleanliness also helps reduce eye injury risks. Keeping a clean area, securing loose materials and maintaining equipment can prevent unexpected hazards. Using machine guards, following established safety procedures, and being aware of nearby activities that might generate flying debris or cause chemical exposures must also be considered.
Teammates wearing prescription glasses should note everyday eyewear is not designed to withstand the rigors of potential workplace hazards. Prescription safety glasses — or approved safety eyewear worn over prescription lenses — will provide the necessary protection without sacrificing clear vision. Contact lenses should never be considered a substitute for protective eyewear.
At times, accidents will still occur, despite workers’ best prevention efforts. Every worksite should have readily accessible emergency eyewash stations, or clean water on hand, for flushing the eyes after any exposure to dust or chemicals. Workers should know emergency response procedures and report all eye injuries immediately, even if they appear minor. Near misses are also very important and should be tracked as a means of promoting practices to ensure safety. Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications and protect long-term vision.
A person’s eyesight is one of their most valuable tools. By recognizing and anticipating potential hazards, wearing personal protective eye equipment and following safe work practices every day, workers can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries.
For those who would like to meet with a loss control consultant to discuss strategies in reducing eye and face injuries or any topic related to safety or risk management, contact Risk Management Services Loss Control staff at losscontrol@masc.sc.