It’s estimated that about 2,000 workplace eye injuries occur every day, but the workplace isn’t the only risk of damage. About 40% of the eye injuries occurring at home happen while gardening or doing yard work. The eyes are an incredibly sensitive and much-needed body part, making it important to invest in the best protection possible. Purchasing a good pair of prescription safety glasses is just the start of preventing eye injuries. Here are a few other things to keep in mind.
1. Know the Dangers of the Environment
Awareness is the first step in preventing unnecessary injury. Whether you are at work or around the home, take a look around and determine the hazards that are present. This means looking high and low for possible concerns. Falling objects are a hazard, but so are materials or pieces of debris that can become airborne. Your work situation may have different eye exposures than your home, as well. Common home hazards for the eyes occur when raking leaves, power washing services or spreading fertilizers or pesticides. Workplace injuries can occur in construction, welding, manufacturing or other environments.
2. Know the Options for Safety Glasses
There are several different options with safety eyewear, and your choice should be the most specific to your situation. If you typically need prescription glasses for visual clarity, consider investing in a pair of ANSI-rated prescription safety glasses to wear at home or work as needed. These glasses have impact-resistant lenses and can provide the proper radiation protection for your situation. UV rays from the sun are damaging to the eyes, though it often takes longer to notice the damage than a cut or scrape to the eye.
3. Know the Common Safety Rules
When it comes to protecting your eyes, there are some things that just seem to be common sense. For example, don’t mix different types of chemicals and cleaners. Don’t handle dangerous or explosive objects without eye protection, as these can discharge unexpectedly and create eye damage. Follow product or equipment directions to avoid unanticipated exposure or increased injury risks. Common sense, combined with an awareness of the environment, creates a strong foundation for eye injury prevention.
4. Know the Appropriate Operations and Procedures
Operating equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions is a good way to prevent eye injuries. Cutting corners or trying to manipulate pieces of machinery increases the overall risk of injury to the body, but pieces of metal, wood, plastic or other particles could get ejected from the wrong area of the equipment and injure yourself or others. Chemical handling has a specific procedure as well to reduce the risk of splashing and eye burns.
5. Know Your Limitations
Sometimes eye injuries can simply be prevented by setting boundaries for yourself. Working when exhausted or overtired can lead to mistakes and careless activities. Operating equipment you aren’t familiar with or rushing through a task can increase the risk of injuries. Know what you are capable of doing and follow safety procedures accordingly.
A good pair of prescription safety glasses will always reduce your risk of eye injury, but these tips give you a better chance of minimal risk. To get your pair of safety glasses, look at the options from Marvel Optics.
