700,000 workers in the US suffer a job-related eye injury annually. A third of these injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than a hundred of these injuries lead to loss of work and money. The majority of these injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye. These injuries are the result of small particles or objects striking the eye.

Eye and face protection is mandatory for the general industry, shipyard employment, long shoring, and the construction industry where most eye-related injuries occur. Luckily for you, these injuries can be avoided with the tips provided in this article.

Causes of On- Job Eye Injuries
Eye hazards are found in all industries. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 40% injuries occur amongst craft workers (Mechanics, Carpenters and Plumbers). Labourers suffer 20% of eye injuries. Half the injured workers were employed in manufacturing as compared to the 20% in construction.

Causes of Eye Injuries
BLS found that 70% of all eye-related accidents were a result of flying particles, most of which were smaller than a pin head. These particles were said to be moving faster than a hand thrown object.
Contact with chemicals during work or chemical industries causes 20% of the eye related injuries. Other causes of eye injury were caused by swinging objects such as chains or ropes.

Protecting Against Eye Hazards
• Projectiles
70% of all eye-related accidents are a result of flying particles. These projectiles are made up of dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles. This may infect the eyes as well as causing abrasion to sensitive areas that are unreachable, and rubbing only makes it worse. Some particles may penetrate the eye ball resulting in a permanent loss of vision.

• Chemicals
These largely occur in chemical industries or working with cleaning products. Splashes of chemicals results in chemical burns to the eyes which is extremely painful as well as stressful to the eyeball and the nerves.

• Radiation
Thermal burns to the eyes are prominent among welders, their assistants and nearby workers which routinely damages their eyes and surrounding tissues.

• Blood borne Pathogens (Hepatitis Or HIV) From Blood And Body Fluids
Lab staff, janitorial workers and animal handlers are at the highest risk of getting infected by diseases through ocular exposure. Direct exposure to blood, bodily fluids and from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers. This leads to minor reddening or soreness in the eyes which may lead to life threatening diseases such as HIV or B Virus.

Defence Against An Eye Injury

The best defence against eye injury is wearing eye protection regularly. 90% of eye injuries can be prevented by using proper protective eyewear.

Non Prescription and Prescription of Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are specially designed for general working conditions to protect the eyes against dust, chips and flying particles. They are made of strengthened glass which must match the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), be sure to look for the Z87 mark on the lens or frame.

Goggles
Safety goggles are impact resistant and provide protection from dust and chemical splashes. Goggles create a secure shield around your eyes.

Face Shields and Helmets
Full face shield protect workers who are regularly exposed to chemicals, heat and pathogens. Helmets are used for welding and working with molten materials. Face shields and helmets should be used with safety glasses or goggles to get maximum protection.

Special Protection
Helmets or goggles with special filters to protect the eyes from optical radiation exposure should be used for welding or working with lasers.

How to Handle Eye Emergencies

You should seek medical attention at an Eye Care Centre as soon as possible if you are experiencing pain in your eye, blurred or loss of vision.

About the Author: Aaron Barriga aspired to become an Eye Doctor when he was younger, but his fantastic knack for understanding people and his outgoing personality led him into the field of Marketing. Working at Insight Vision Centre as their Online Marketing Manager, he has the best of both worlds. He blogs with a mission of informing readers about the latest eye care technology and topics related to eye care and eye health. He loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.