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Eye Protection of Great Importance in Construction Industry

The top two reasons for eye injury on a construction site are failure to wearing safety eyewear or wearing the wrong type of eyewear.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, construction workers have a higher rate of eye injury than any other workforce. The center found that about 20% of eye injuries occur in the construction industry.

Painters, electricians, plumbers and welders have the highest proportion of eye injuries.

Foreign bodies in the eyes and abrasions or passing-through injuries are the most common on construction sites. This makes eye safety a high priority for the trades.

Follow these Recommendations to improve eye safety:

· Most injuries could be avoided by simply wearing safety eyewear consistently. Therefore, always wear eye safety equipment.

· Make sure you wear the correct type of eye protection. Wearing the wrong type of eyewear results in injuries. And don’t take it off.

· Over-prescription safety glasses can be worn by those who must wear prescription eyewear.

· Be sure to maintain safety eyewear regularly. Safety glasses and goggles are not meant to sustain repeated

impacts, so check for cracks or scratches and replace safety eyewear that shows signs of wear and tear or if it has sustained a significant impact.

· Dirty lenses reduce a worker’s vision, so keeping them clean is essential. This helps prevent injuries that may be caused by poor visibility. Become familiar with the process of properly cleaning safety glasses.

· Don’t toss your safety glasses in a toolbox. Store the lenses properly to avoid scratches. Purchase a good case or pouch for the safety glasses and use it when off work.

· Always remain aware of your surroundings. Know at all times what other work is taking place around you, or you may become the victim of a passing-through injury. Hold daily safety meetings to ensure workers have safety in front of mind at all times.

· Know all the features of your eye safety wear. There are many styles for different face types and different conditions. Some have adjustable nose pieces and side protection. Consult an expert on which are the best options for you and your particular work situation.

· Consider wearing vented goggles. They may offer better all-around protection. There are many options for safety goggles, so find a design that works best for you. Always wear goggles when working around chemicals.

· Have more than one option for eye safety gear. Remain flexible. Use what works best for a given situation in various weather conditions, including high winds, high

heat, or extreme cold. Consider convertible goggles, safety goggles with prescription inserts, multi-lens glasses and kits and safety sunglasses.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, nearly 2,000 workers sustain eye injuries every day, injuries that require medical treatment.

OSHA estimates that such injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $300 million per year. However, in most cases, these injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper eye protection.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.