Importance of Eye and Face Protection In the Workplace

Eye injuries actually cost U.S. companies more than $300 million a year in medical expenses, worker compensation, and lost production time. That's why it's essential that every single company, no matter the industry, offers quality eye and face protection to each and every employee.

There are two major reasons why workers experience eye injuries while on the job: They either were not wearing any eye and protection at all or they were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the specific job.

According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of workers who suffered eye injuries, nearly three-fifths of workers were not wearing any protective eye gear at the time of their accident. These workers most often reported that they thought they could accomplish their job tasks without eye protection, despite the risk of injury.

It is, however, required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that every worker use proper eye and face protection gear whenever he or she is working in an area that could potentially result in an injury to the eyes or face. Protective eyewear like face shields, safety goggles, or full face respirators must be used at all times when there are any identifiable eye hazards in the area.

To ensure a safe workplace for any industry, it's important that everyone realizes the dangers of even a minor eye injury. The smallest issue can result in years of medical payments and eye treatments and, potentially, a compete loss of sight.

"No matter where you work, in an office setting or in an industrial career, your vision must be a priority," said Hugh R. Parry, president of Prevent Blindness. "Taking care of our eyes today will have a tremendous impact on our future. We encourage everyone to talk to their eye care professionals to make sure they are doing everything they can to protect the gift of sight."

If you want to learn more about the importance of eye and face protection, or find high quality industrial chemical protective garments and acid gear, contact Standard Safety today -- and stay safe!