March is Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month, so we want to repeat how important it is for employers to make the right choice of eye care products and what to do in case of eye injuries. From eye drops to eyewash stations, proper first aid is vital in case of an injury:
- For specks in eye: try to wash out with tears or eyewash. If this doesn’t help, keep eye closed, bandaged loosely and see physician.
- For foreign objects in eye: it may be necessary to seek emergency medical assistance if it cannot be flushed with eyewash or removed with a moistened cotton swab. Cover the eye and seek emergency medical attention. If it is removed, flush with lukewarm water or saline solution.
- Liquid chemicals or sprays in eye need to be flooded with clean water immediately, continuously, and gently for 15 minutes. Keep eye open as wide as possible, and see a physician. If possible, take label or container to physician. Use spray cans carefully, as they are an increased source of chemical eye injuries.
- Blows to the eye: apply cold compress for 15 minutes and each hour thereafter. Discoloration or blackening could mean internal damage; a doctor needs to examine it.
- Cuts or punctures of eye or eyelid need to be bandaged; seek medical help immediately. Do not wash out or try to remove object.
The most effective way to prevent eye injuries is by wearing safety glasses or goggles. It is important that safety glasses fit properly; side shields on safety glasses also assist in keeping particles from entering the eyes.
It is imperative that workers recognize and report any hazardous situations in their workplace that could cause serious eye injuries. Our website contains other articles reporting statistics of these types of accidents. Most of them could have been avoided if the proper protection had been used.
Keep your eyes protected at all times, so you’ll never miss a thing!
Source: Gateway
NIOSH