Healthy eyes and good vision are often taken for granted. March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and there’s no better time to review safety precautions that can protect your eyes on the job.
Employers’ Responsibilities
The Texas construction accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers often see clients who suffered eye injuries because of an employer’s neglect in providing proper eye safety gear.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that companies “ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”
Unfortunately, our Texas construction accident lawyers know that not all companies follow these guidelines, and even when they do, accidents still may occur. In fact, an estimated 2,000 workers every day sustain eye injuries related to their jobs that require medical attention.
Whether you are a worker or an employer, carefully follow these tips when it comes to property eye safety gear:
- Ensure eye protection is properly fitted. Safety glasses shouldn’t slip, be crooked, or be too tight.
- Always keep eye safety gear clean to ensure maximum visibility. Use mild soap and water or eyeglass cleaner to wash your glasses or goggles regularly. Use a soft cloth or tissue to polish the eyewear.
- Prevent buildup on your glasses by using anti-dust and anti-fog sprays.
- Protective eyewear should be stored carefully to avoid damage. Scratches, cracks or other damage to lenses can reduce the effectiveness of their impact-resistance.
Common Work Eye Injuries
The most common eye injuries that our Texas construction accident attorneys see are:
- Dust or debris in the eye
- Eye cuts or punctures
- Blows to or around the eye
- Chemical burns
Workers in certain environments, such as constructions sites and industrial settings, are typically more at risk for eye injuries. If you are an employee who suffered an eye injury at your job, contact the Texas construction accident lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
