3 Ways to Protect Your Eyes at Work

You aren’t afraid to work hard – but when it comes to your eyes, your work may be putting them in danger.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 20,000 workplace eye injuries in 2015 alone – and that statistic is pretty common year after year. That means many U.S. workers have found themselves missing days from work, racking up huge medical bills, and getting lost in the mire of claiming worker compensation.

Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) points out the significant costs of eye injuries, as they’ve estimated that over $300 million each year has been lost due to missed work, medical treatments, and compensation.

Certain occupations carry specific risks, especially to your ocular health. For example, if you work in the construction industry, your eyes could be exposed to wood chips, sparks, blunt objects, and hazardous materials. If you’re not using eye protection while you’re on the job, you could end up with a potentially blinding eye injury.

Want to keep your eyes safe and sound while you’re on the job?

1. Understand the dangers: They say that knowledge is half the battle – and when you know what eye dangers are at your workplace, you can take concrete steps to keep your eyes protected.

2. Eliminate the hazards: Once you’ve identified these dangers, see which ones you can remove from your workspace. For example, work screens and certain engineering controls can be useful to keep your eyes protected while you’re on the job.

3. Use protective eyewear: Use safety goggles when working with dangerous materials; check with OSHA regulations for the specific protective eyewear you should be wearing within your industry.

If you’ve experienced an eye injury at work, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia. Dr. Griffiths can provide you with treatment for your eye injuries, as well as help you understand how to keep your eyes safe at work.

NewView Eye Center also serves the greater Washington, DC areas. Call (703) 834-9777 today to learn more.