29 August 2023

FIVE WAYS TO PREVENT EYE INJURIES AT WORK

Every day, employees in the workplace face hazards that could cause eye injuries in a matter of seconds.

A few of the most common hazards are dust, flying particles, chemical splashes, a flash of optical radiation, or sparks. While not every industry may face the same hazards, it is still important to know what is harmful to your eyes and reduce your risk. Every employee’s vision is essential to their job, so let’s talk about five protocols employers can implement to keep the risk low and prevent eye injuries.

PREVENT INJURIES WITH THESE FIVE TIPS

1. KNOW THE HAZARDS

Every industry has its hazards, but the industries with a higher risk of eye injury include manufacturing, construction, auto repair, carpentry, electrical work, and welding. However, every safety manager, especially in these industries, should have an annual eye safety assessment to evaluate the hazards in their workplace.

• Identify equipment or materials that can cause eye injuries if not operated or used right.
• Consider all situations or areas for employees to avoid, if they aren’t wearing protective safety eyewear. Point out all areas where PPE is required.
• Evaluate all equipment to ensure safety guards are working correctly and your employees understand how to operate the machines safely.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF EYE PROTECTION

Because of the hazards in more industrial industries, the WHS act provides regulations for all employers to supply employees to wear protective safety eyewear to keep everyone safe. These regulations are underpinned by the Australian standards for eye and face protection and include that:

• The employer should ensure each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards.
• The safety eyewear worn must protect from the sides.
• Those who wear prescription lenses or contacts must have safety eyewear with their prescription included or protective eyewear for over their glasses (short term solution).
• Eye and face PPE should have distinct markings on them to identify the manufacturer, as well as the coverage offered.
• Employers ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for their work to protect them from harmful light radiation.
• All eyewear must meet Australian Standards
  • Further information can be found searching for either AS/NZS 1336 (Eye & Face protection Guidelines), AS/NZS 1337 (Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications) or AS 1338 standards (Filters for Eye protectors).

3. REGULARLY INSPECT PROTECTIVE GEAR

Employers must train their employees to inspect their safety eyewear regularly before wear and know how to request replacements. Every day, they should check for:

• Cracks or scratches.
• Damage to the frames including the nose pieces, body, and side shields.
• Tears in Goggle seals.
• Secure fit of headbands.

4. HAVE AN EMERGENCY EYE WASH STATION NEAR CHEMICALS

In the case of any emergency, every workplace should have accessible eyewash stations near hazardous areas and chemicals. Flushing out employees’ eyes immediately after they have come in contact with chemicals can reduce the severity or even prevent blindness from occurring.

Ensure eyewash stations are no more than 10 seconds away from hazardous areas and that all employees know their location.

5. WORK WITH ACCREDITED PPE PROVIDERS

Working with and checking for PPE providers who can provide the most comprehensive and conforming product lines is crucial.

Always check that the products you are purchasing, or receiving, from a supplier conforms to either the Australian Standards 1337.1 or 1337.6.

Never compromise yours or your teams eye safety!

WORK WITH ALL AUSTRALIAN SAFETY & PROTECT YOUR EMPLOYEES EYESIGHT

At All Australian Safety, we provide guidance to WHS/OHS Managers to ensure employees receive and wear proper safety eyewear that has been designed for their industry or task at hand. If you are a safety manager looking to reduce injuries and increase protection, talk with one of our representatives who can help you make your workplace, a safer place.