Protecting the eyes and face at work is essential to prevent serious and often permanent injuries. Around 50% of industrial workers will experience a significant eye injury during their careers. However, research from Safety & Health Practitioner (2020) suggests that up to 90% of these injuries could be avoided by using the correct protective equipment.
The eyes are vulnerable to a wide range of hazards, but with the appropriate safety measures, the risk of long-term damage can be significantly reduced.
Common workplace eye and face injuries:
Impact injuries
Flying debris, dust, or particles from tools like staple guns and power tools can strike the eye, causing irritation, pain, or even lasting damage.
Blindness
Exposure to harmful light sources, such as ultraviolet (UV), blue light, or infrared radiation, can lead to partial or complete blindness. This may happen suddenly or gradually over time, as with cataracts.
Burns
Tasks involving welding, grinding, or working with molten metals can lead to severe eye and facial burns. These injuries can be extremely painful and may result in permanent vision loss.
Visual discomfort
Glare from sunlight or artificial light, UV exposure, or physical injury can cause short-term visual discomfort. Without protection, these issues may progress to long-term vision problems.
Photokeratitis
This is inflammation of the cornea caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. A severe form, known as snow blindness, occurs in high-reflection environments such as snowy or high-altitude areas.
Pterygium
This condition involves a growth on the cornea due to extended exposure to sunlight, wind, or sand. It’s commonly seen in outdoor workers who are not wearing proper eye protection and can lead to irritation and visual impairment.
Why choosing the right protection matters:
To prevent serious and lasting injuries, it’s vital to select the right type of eye and face protection for the job. The protection must be suitable for the hazards present — whether that’s flying particles, UV radiation, glare, or extreme heat — to ensure workers are fully safeguarded.
Summary of key points:
Eye and face injuries are common but largely preventable.
Flying particles and harmful light are major hazards in many jobs.
Burns from hot materials and exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage.
Short-term discomfort can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated.
Using task-appropriate protection is essential to prevent injury.
If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email:
technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via our WhatsApp.