Eye Safety Safety

Eye Safety

Don’t compromise, protect your eyes

What determines if safety glasses or safety goggles should be used?

Historically, eye injuries have accounted for about 20% of all injuries.  Even though most eye injuries are managed as first-aid injuries for the removal of a foreign body, we have had cases that became recordable.

When it comes to eye safety, there are three things to consider:

First, make sure that engineering or procedural controls are in place as the primary way of controlling hazards.  For example;

  • Guards need to be secured to tools and equipment, and
  • If work generates flying debris or dust, a regulated area should be set up to prevent nonessential personnel from having contact with these materials.

Second, when PPE is used, it needs to be appropriate for the hazard.  It also needs to be inspected and replaced if it’s not in good condition.

  • For example, safety glasses are intended to provide impact protection against flying debris and small projectiles – which can be from mechanical activities such as grinding or from the sudden release of pressure.
  • By contrast, goggles are intended for use against:
    • Airborne dusts, such as dust created from handling insulation or from wind-blown debris; and 
    • Splash hazards – a splash to the forehead can drip into the eyes behind safety glasses.  When handling hazardous liquids, a chemical splash goggle is needed.

Third, be prepared to respond if an incident does happen.  Know the location of the nearest flushing station and make sure that it’s working.  Always follow-up with Medical to make sure that there are no residual effects.  Prompt treatment minimizes the chance of aggravating the injury which could lead to infection or serious complications.

Don’t take chances and compromise when it comes to protecting your eyes