Most eye injuries are preventable. Basic safety rules and common sense will tell you to wear proper eye protection on the job. Don't take your eyesight for granted. The human eye is very sensitive and can be easily damaged. You already wear sunglasses in a bright sun or while driving - take the next logical steps and choose the right protection for the job you're doing.
Take care to avoid hazards that threaten your eyes. Follow safety precautions. Eye injuries are very common, especially when people fail to use the eye protection available. Watch out for:
There are many types of eye protection. Choose the one that's right for your work. Good quality safety glasses, goggles, face shields, hoods, and other equipment are available. Always refer to OH&S legislation as a minimum standard and guide for when eye protection should be worn.
Contact lenses do NOT provide eye protection. They do NOT replace safety glasses, goggles, or other protective gear. Take advice and directions from a safety professional or an eye doctor regarding the use of contact lenses in the workplace. Your employer must ensure that if wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to you, they must advise you of the hazard and alternatives to wearing contact lenses.For example, gases or vapours at a worksite can be absorbed by the lenses and harm the eyes. Also many worksites have loose particles - posing a danger to contact wearers.
For your comfort and safety, choose protection that fits you well. Your work day will be more productive, less hazardous, and hassle-free. Consider:
Keep your gear in good shape - it's your eyesight and you deserve it.
At home you will want to have full use of your eyes for many more years to come. Watching TV, reading a magazine, or typing on your home computer are just some of the activities where you use your eyes. Take care not to overwork them. Ensure you and your family have adequate lighting whatever the activity.
Take care that you have proper protection when involved in outdoor activities. Alpine skiing and water sports are just two examples where you will need protection from glare.
Obviously when doing construction, maintenance, or repair work, eye protection rules apply at home just as they do at work.
Regular eye examinations for all the family will ensure that your eyeglass prescriptions are always up to date.
Use your knowledge and experience from work to speak with your family members on the subject. They will see eye-to-eye with you on safety if you give them adequate information.
Everyone should have safety goggles or glasses. Use yours and check to see if others around you are also taking care at work. On site, supervisors and workers should work as a team to minimize hazards and promote the use of proper eye protection.
For more information, refer to current applicable Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.