Workplace Eye Wellness Month rolls around every March to remind us of how best to protect our eyes on the job. Click on this link to learn more about how you can safeguard your eyesight at work.
Workplace Eye Wellness
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and it is a great time to learn more about protecting your vision while on the job. Almost 25,000 Americans rush to emergency rooms for a workplace eye injury each year. More than 2,000 suffer an eye injury daily. That translates to nearly one million U.S. citizens who have lost vision and over $300 million in lost wages, workman’s compensation, and medical costs.
How to Protect Your Eyes At Work
The risk to your vision will vary based on your occupation. The construction industry currently claims one of the highest injury rates per the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Common causes include:
- Hazards created by nearby coworkers
- Windy or dusty conditions that cause particles to enter the eye
- Exposure to arcs and flashes from welding
- Hammering metal which launches metal slivers or nail rebounding
- Wood, metal, dust, drywall, cement, or slag contacting the eye
Safety Starts with Following the Rules of Safety
Every worksite should have rules of safety to protect the vision of all. Engineering controls should be in place that includes machine guards that can catch particles. Welding curtains are also necessary to shield eyes from arc flash.
Administrative measures should also be in place. This includes having off-limits areas that are only accessible to employees who must be there to complete specific tasks. Finally, always wear proper protective eyewear. If you do receive an eye injury, go directly to the emergency room.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to schedule an appointment.
Celebrate Workplace Eye Wellness Month with Better Work Habits
Workplace Eye Wellness Month is coming this March. It’s a good time to evaluate your current work habits to look for ways to keep your vision safe while at work. When most people think of careers with risks, they usually envision construction or other fields that require physical labor and machinery. The reality is that many other professions also come with risks, like office jobs that involve the use of computers.
Check Your Eyewear
Always use proper eyewear at work. The right type will depend on the job you are doing. Office jobs may only require a pair of prescription glasses or contacts as needed. Professions that involve tools, machinery, or chemicals may demand heavy-duty safety goggles.
Make sure your eyewear is in good, functioning condition and replace or repair immediately as needed. Even if you don’t need goggles, your prescription glasses or contacts should always be the correct strength to prevent eyestrain. Talk to your ophthalmologist right away if you notice a change in your vision.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is very important today with more jobs involving the use of computers. This guideline prevents digital strain by setting a time limit for your eyes. The rule states that after 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, you should stop and focus your eyes on an object that is 20 feet or more away for at least 20 seconds.
An Eye-Friendly Workspace
Setup your workspace so that it is eye-friendly. Keep protective gear you need close by and use it. When working on a computer, use an anti-glare screen and position the monitor at a right angle away from light sources.
Also, remember to undergo regular comprehensive eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule an appointment.
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