Eye injuries at the workplace are not a new thing. It becomes even more common if the environment includes dangerous chemicals or projectile objects that can harm vision. Employees working in an office setting are also not immune to these injuries. Having a 9 to 5 job that requires you to sit in front of a screen gives rise to the risk of digital eye strain. Healthcare professionals are also at risk of developing infectious eye diseases transmitted through the respiratory droplets or blood splashes of infected patients. While there are so many ways people can harm their vision at work, taking the help of some eye safety measures can lessen the severity of these injuries or ward them off altogether.
What triggers eye injuries at work
People often experience eye ocular accidents at their workplace for two main reasons:
Not wearing eye protection
Not wearing the right type of eye protection
Most workers believe that eye safety is not needed, so they don’t pay attention to the protective measures. However, it is the duty of the employer to make sure that all the workers are wearing the right kind of eye protection if the workplace involves even the slightest risk of eye injuries. Whether face shields, safety goggles, or full-face coverings, choose proper eye protection depending on the eye hazard and your vision needs. No matter what type of protective eyewear you need for your employees, you can order glasses online in the UK and get them delivered right to your office.
Potential eye risks at work
If you feel like your job involves a risk for potential eye injuries, use proper protective eyewear. You cannot leave your eyes unguarded from the potential hazards. Keep in mind that based on your job, it may or may not include more than one potential eye risk. Your eyes need protection from the following safety hazards:
Projectiles such as concrete, metal, dust, and wood. When these objects penetrate deeper, they can scratch the corneal surface and damage the iris. In severe cases, workers may experience eye trauma.
Also read about: The Best Platforms for Watching Live Football in 2021
Splashes or fumes of chemicals will trigger a burning sensation in your eyes. Although the burn will only cause minor and temporary discomfort, it can turn into a bigger threat depending on the type of substance that caused it and how long it has been in the eye.
Exposure to UV or infrared radiation elevates the risk of eye cancer. These harmful radiations degenerate macular health and invite symptoms of cataracts and macular degeneration.
In case something has penetrated your eyes, you must see an optician as soon as possible. You can even get a free eye checkup from experienced opticians in Bury. Employees having the following occupations have higher chances of contracting eye-related injuries at the workplace:
- Construction or manufacturing business
- Mining
- Welding
- Repair & maintenance
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Lab workers
What is digital eye strain
Eye injuries don't have to be visible. Even when you are not working in an open business environment, your eyes are under constant threat of injuries. Workplace software is used to track work from home. If you work in a close business setting, you should be careful of your eye health. Exposing your eyes to extensive hours of screen time wreak havoc on the light-sensitive retinal cells. Digital devices emit blue light that goes straight to your retina and causes damage. Prolonged screen exposure can trigger temporary symptoms such as eye pain, blurry vision, and headache. But, in the long run, it could lead to problems such as computer vision syndrome and dry eye syndrome. To combat this problem, you will need blue light glasses that are specially crafted for screen time. With their blue-cut technology, they defend your eyes from blue light and keep them from draining out of energy. You can easily get blue light-blocking glasses in the UK without spending much. You may as well add this filter to your prescription glasses.
Tips for eye safety at work
The most important thing when protecting your eyes at work is to realize that the hazards exist. Here is what you can do:
Do a complete assessment of the workplace in the morning and remove any objects that pose threat to your eye health.
Make use of the right type of protective eyewear suitable for your job.
Keep your safe eyewear in working condition. In case they get damaged, ask your employer and get new ones.
Have a vision test every year. You may even choose to get a free eye test in the UK from the NHS.
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Do not underestimate the potential vision risks exiting in your workplace. Steer clear of ocular accidents by wearing protective eyewear and being careful. Author Bio: I’m Jaylin: Guest post service planner of Leelija and full-time blogger. Favorite things include my camera, traveling, caring for my fitness, food, and my fashion.