In recognition of Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month, employers and employees are encouraged to assess the steps that are being taken every day to mitigate the risk of eye injuries on the job this March. According to Prevent Blindness America, roughly 2,000 individuals lose some percentage of their vision as a result of a work-related eye injury, at least one third of which require emergency treatment.
Many people assume that serious eye injuries only occur in high-risk environments such as a construction site or machinist’s shop, but nearly 40 percent of job-related eye injuries happen in offices, laboratories, and healthcare facilities.
To help reinforce eye safety practices in the workplace, please keep the following tips in mind year round.
- Don’t Forget Your Safety Eyewear – If your job requires safety goggles, always wear the appropriate eyewear as directed, even if you are just walking through a dangerous area.
- Give Your Eyes a Break – Staring at a computer screen for hours on end can cause headaches, trouble focusing, and eye fatigue. Remember to take frequent rest breaks and use over-the-counter eye drops to ensure proper hydration.
- Take Preventative Measures – Always assess your equipment and environment before working. Do not use machinery if it is missing safety guards, and report any safety hazards to your supervisor.
- Get Professional Care – If you have been injured on the worksite, do not settle for just first aid treatment. Seek emergency medical care from a professional to help evaluate the injury and begin proper care immediately.
Not only are eye injuries painful, they can also cause permanent vision loss. If you or someone you care about has suffered eye damage as a result of a hazardous work environment and appropriate safety gear was not made available, do not hesitate to contact a New York on the job injury lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP to discuss your legal rights and options.