INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAM

To encourage prevention of eye-related injuries in the workplace, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides information and determines standards for proper eye care and using safety eyewear. This is particularly crucial in industries in which safety goggles or safety eyeglasses are frequently used. Along with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), NIOSH has determined that small, flying particles—such as those created by activities like cutting metal, wood and cement—are the predominant cause of eye abrasions and injuries. Even particles as small and seemingly innocuous as dust can injure the eye in its more sensitive areas. NIOSH suggests using safety eyeglasses that wrap around the area surrounding the eye, because according to their research, your eyes can still suffer damage from airborne particles even when they don’t come in direct contact.

Based on this and studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH recommends that animal handlers, medical workers, janitorial workers and laboratory employees all exercise eye care by protecting their eyes with special eyewear. This isn’t just for direct-impact injuries, but also for protecting the eyes from infectious diseases that may use your eyes’ mucous membranes as a point of infection. Coughing, sneezing and blood can all transfer illness to you through exposed eyes.

Industrial Safety Eyewear

Eye injuries at work are very common. An estimated 1,000 people suffer from one in the workplace every single day. Approximately 10% of these injuries are severe enough to require time away from work to recover. While the financial cost of these injuries is substantial, no dollar figure can sufficiently reflect the personal toll these incidents take on the injured employee.

When a person is exposed to workplace hazards like sparks, fire, lasers and other potentially dangerous particles, proper eye care and eye protection is more critical than ever. These and other workplace hazards can damage eyesight, and every year, thousands are stricken blind from eye injuries they suffered in the workplace. Most injuries of this nature are avoidable, though, when you wear sufficient eye protection.

Types of Eye Protection

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are the most common form of eye protection. They often look like regular glasses, but are equipped with impact-resistant frames and lenses. Proper fit of safety glasses is critical. The closer the eyewear fits to the user’s face, the less potential exists for an object to reach the eye. A good fit is also important because it makes employees more likely to wear safety glasses.

Safety Goggles

Goggles offer the most complete impact protection because they form a seal around the eye area. They are designed to prevent small dust particles and chemical splashes from reaching the eyes. The most common varieties of goggles are directly vented, indirectly vented, and non-vented.

• Directly vented goggles offer protection from impact only and should not be used when vapor or splash protection is needed.
• Indirectly vented goggles offer the same impact protection as direct vents, but are “capped” to allow for air movement while preventing liquid from getting through.
• Non-vented goggles offer the most comprehensive eye care protection, keeping out dust, mists, liquids and vapors.

Your eyesight is a gift. Regardless of whether you need protective eyewear for the workplace, home related projects or for playing sports, the investment you make to protect your eyes and vision will pay off as you reduce your risk of a sight-threatening injury.