Eye safety at work

Any job that involves airborne particles or hazardous substances carries a risk of eye injury. Handling chemicals under high pressure, or managing a strap under tension that may suddenly release, add to the risk.

The eye is extremely delicate, and permanent vision loss can result from a relatively minor injury. Ordinary eyewear does not adequately protect against injury, and contact lenses may actually make an eye injury worse.

The risk of workplace eye injuries is greatly reduced when proper prevention measures are followed. Pay attention to your working environment and always wear eye protection when the task requires it.

High-risk jobs#

Jobs that pose a high risk for eye injury include those that use machines or tools that chip, chisel, cut, drill, grind, hammer, sand, smelt, spray or weld. Work that involves metal on metal, such as hammer and chisel use, is a particular hazard. Risks also come from chemicals, dusty environments, excessively bright or ultraviolet (UV) light, and compressed air.

Types of eye injury#

Eye injuries can include:

• scratches or cuts to the surface of the eye
• punctures, or foreign bodies embedded in or on the eye
• chemical burns
• welding flashes (injury caused by bright UV light)

Risk factors for eye injury#

Factors in the workplace that increase the risk of eye injury include:

• The employer does not supply eye protection.
• Eye protection is supplied but workers do not wear it, or its use is not enforced and workers are not trained to use it.
• Neither the employer nor the workers appreciate the potential for injury, so eye protection is not used.
• The eye protection is inadequate for the task, such as glasses where a face shield is needed.
• The eye protection does not fit properly, so loose glasses allow particles to enter from the sides.
• Only the machine operator wears eye protection, leaving others nearby exposed to flying particles.
• Workers do not know how to operate the equipment or tools properly.
• The equipment is not maintained in good repair.

Identify potential hazards#

To improve eye safety at work, first identify the hazards. Suggestions include:

• Walk through the workplace and look for potential hazards.
• Talk over risk factors with workers.
• Check injury records to help pinpoint recurring problems.

Control the hazards#

Reduce the risk of eye injury by controlling the potential hazards. Suggestions include:

• Replace high-risk equipment and toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever possible.
• Move high-risk equipment to an isolated area, and install safety barriers.
• Maintain equipment and make sure all safety devices, including guards and shields, are in good working order.
• Signpost work areas and equipment that require eye protection.
• Use water to dampen dusty environments, and manage fumes or dust with exhaust hoods, extractor fans or similar.
• Read the safety data sheet that the manufacturer supplies with any hazardous substance and comply with all instructions.
• Run regular safety training sessions for workers and provide adequate first aid equipment.

Use eye protection at work#

Wearing eye protection appropriate for the task can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Always choose eye protection that complies with recognized safety standards, and match the level of protection to the job:

• Low-impact protection for tasks such as chipping, riveting, spalling and managing a strap under tension. Suitable options include safety glasses, safety glasses with side shields, safety clip-ons, eye cup goggles, wide vision goggles, eye shields and face shields.
• Medium-impact protection for tasks such as scaling, grinding and machining metals, some woodworking, stone dressing, wire handling and brick cutting. Suitable options include safety glasses with side shields, safety clip-ons, eye cup goggles, wide vision goggles, eye shields and face shields rated for medium impact.
• High-impact protection for tasks such as using explosive power tools and nail guns. Suitable options include wide-vision goggles, eye shields or face shields rated for high impact.
• Chemical handling requires splashproof goggles rated for chemicals.
• Dusty work requires goggles rated for protection against dust.
• Welding requires filters and shields rated for welding.

Ordinary eyewear is not enough#

In most cases, ordinary eyewear such as prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses does not offer adequate protection against injury. Contact lenses may even worsen an injury; for example, a chemical splashed in the eye may concentrate within or beneath the lens. Appropriate eye protection must be worn even if you also wear prescription glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses.

First aid for eye injuries#

In all cases of eye injury, seek immediate medical help. Injuries that seem minor can sometimes cause permanent damage, including vision loss. First aid differs slightly depending on the type of injury.

For dust or loose particles:

• Do not rub the eye.
• Flush the dust or loose particles out with clean water.

For punctures or embedded objects:

• Do not rub the eye, and do not wash or flush it.
• Do not try to remove an embedded object.
• Gently cover the injured eye with an eye pad or shield secured with tape, and get medical help.

For a chemical splash:

• Do not rub the eye.
• Flush with clean running water for at least 15 minutes. You may need to hold the eye open with clean fingers.
• Alkaline chemicals are especially dangerous to the eyes, so take particular care that these chemicals, especially powders, are flushed away thoroughly.

These first aid suggestions are not a substitute for first aid training or professional medical help.

Key points#

• Any job that involves airborne particles or hazardous substances carries a risk of eye injury
• Handling chemicals under high pressure, or managing a strap under tension that may suddenly release, add to the risk
• Men of working age are often most at risk of serious eye injuries
• The risk of workplace eye injuries is reduced when proper prevention measures are followed
• Pay attention to your working environment and always wear eye protection when the task requires it

Where to get help#