Preventing Workplace Eye Injuries - OSHA Requirements
There have been 34,740 eye injuries requiring days off work recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2005. About 90% of eye injuries may be avoided with the use of the right protective eyewear, according to the OSHA Fact Sheet EYE PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE. The frequency of eye injuries in the forging industry can be decreased by cooperation between OSHA, FIA, and workers. The following details are offered so that workers may safeguard themselves against potential eye damage by using them.
Activities and Tasks that may cause eye injuries in the workplace:
- Grinding
- Sanding
- Machining
- Mixing Chemicals
- Chipping
- Furnace operations (such as pouring, casting, and hot dipping)
- Drilling
- Use of compressed air for cleaning
- Welding, cutting, and brazing
- And other similar activities that may produce flying particles and radiant heat, and cause chemical splashing
Eye Injuries can be caused in many ways including:
- Impact (Chipping, grinding, drilling, etc.)
- Heat (Furnace operations)
- Chemicals (Mixing or handling chemicals)
- Light and/or Radiation (Welding, cutting, brazing, etc.)
Types of Eye and Face Protectors:
- Safety glasses
- Safety goggles
- Face shields
- Welding Helmets
How to Prevent Eye Injuries and Stay Safe on the Job
- Before beginning work, review the job hazard analysis and safety procedures.
- Ensure that the correct eye protection is accessible for the task at hand.
(If you have any questions, contact the safety and health department and/or your supervisor.)
- Before using the machines, confirm that the machine guards are securely fastened.
- Attention should be paid to the numerous and concurrent exposure to several risks.
- Always wear the appropriate eye protection. (Confirm the protective equipment has the proper ANSI "Z 87.1" label, including on the lenses and frame.)
- Make sure your safety glasses have side shields.
- Check that the eyewear is appropriately sized and that the lenses are clear and clean.
- Only wear face shields over your primary eye protection (safety glasses or goggles).
Employees must wear eye protection that is specifically designed with prescription lenses when their eyesight necessitates its usage.
- Protect yourself from radiation rays by using the proper filter lenses. The specifications for shade identification must be met by filter lenses. If they are not recognized or designated as filter lenses, tinted or shaded lenses are not filters.
- Get regular eye exams to ensure good eyesight.
- Know where the closest eyewash station is located.
- Keep the emergency/first aid phone number close to reach.
- Inform your supervisor of any eye injuries.
- Encourage coworkers to use appropriate eye protection.
For more information, please refer to OSHA's Standards:
• 29 CFR 1910.132 - General requirements: A hazard assessment and training must be conducted;
• 29 CFR 1910.133 - Eye and face protection
