Eye care

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 36,000 on the job eye injuries occurred in 2004, resulting in $360 million in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation. Manufacturing and production jobs had the highest incidences, followed by installation, maintenance, repair and construction. Many of the injuries occurred after being struck by an object.

According to Prevent Blindness America, 90 percent of occupational eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper protection. OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection standard (1910.133) requires employers to protect employees from eye hazards, including flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, chemical gases and light radiation.

The PBA offers the following tips to promote eye safety in the workplace:

* Safety eyewear must have ANSIZ87 clearly marked on all glasses or goggles and should be warn at all times when hazards are present.
* Workers should know where the nearest eye wash station is and how to use it.
* Employees should have regular eye exams to insure their vision is adequate to do their jobs safely.
* Those with reduced vision should ask their employers for prescription glasses or goggles.