Eye Protection

Objectives Statistics Types of injuries Eye exposures Common injuries Tips to protect your eyes

National Statistics 2000 workplace eye injuries per day… Today is just like any other day at work. However, when unloading a pallet full of boxes you feel a sharp pain in your back. You remember the safety guy talking about work related claims somewhere during your employee orientation three years ago. Don’t wait to blow the dust off of your employee handbook; rather, report the claim to your supervisor immediately. enough to fill a typical 40,000 seat basketball stadium each month.

90% of eye injuries can be prevented with the proper use of eyewear. National Statistics 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with the proper use of eyewear.

Types of Injuries Impact injuries Chemical injuries Heat injuries Light Please remember, in addition to you the employee, supervisors also have responsibilities in regards to claims as well. Supervisors are responsible for investigating the accident to make sure other employees don’t become hurt as well. See the responsibilities on the next slide.

Impact Injuries Eye cuts and punctures from: Cutting Grinding Working with machines and power tools (nail guns, staplers, etc.)

Imagine if this was your eye! Impact Injuries The pictures below shows eyes that were lacerated and struck by a flying objects. This slide and the next four slides are the first report of injury. This form is required to go to your company’s insurance company’s claims administrator to get the workers’ compensation process started. The claims administrator will take care of all the pharmacy, medical bills and whatever else needs to be taken care of. Imagine if this was your eye!

Impact Injuries Ordinary eye glasses are NOT effective eye protection: Not designed to protect from sharp high impact objects Create their own hazard when shattered

Safety Glasses must have ANSI Z87 designation Impact Injuries Safety Glasses must have ANSI Z87 designation Although this slide and the next two slides are still part of the first report of injury, these slides start to deal with

Impact Injuries You only have two eyes! Some safety glasses have side shields. Many injuries come from the side. Safety glasses can be obtained from your tool crib or supervisor. Safety glasses are an inexpensive way to prevent very expensive injuries If you are injured at work, consult with your supervisor or the Human Resources department to see if your company has a contract with a provider for medical services.

Chemical Injuries Chemical injuries typically arise from: Chemicals splashed in eyes Certain caustic fumes 12

Chemical Injuries These eyes were burned by chemicals. This slide and the next four slides are the first report of injury. This form is required to go to your company’s insurance company’s claims administrator to get the workers’ compensation process started. The claims administrator will take care of all the pharmacy, medical bills and whatever else needs to be taken care of. Goggles or a face shield and goggles protect from the front and side. 13

Chemical Injuries Forms of protection Full face shield Goggles A combination of both for maximum front and side protection

Heat Injuries Exposure to: Best protection: Hot metals Hot liquids Other high temperature processes Best protection: Wear both a face shield and safety glasses (added protection front and side) If you are injured at work, consult with your supervisor or the Human Resources department to see if your company has a contract with a provider for medical services. 15

Light Injuries Bright light can damage the eye. Injuries aren’t as quick to show damage. Typical exposures from welding and material joining Typical exposures include: Welding Any exposure to infrared and ultraviolet radiation, such as ebrite lights

Light Injuries Specially designed goggles and masks are used that block optical radiation. These are NOT sunglasses! Typically, most companies have an early return to work program. The early return to work program is designed to help you have a job at work even if it is not your normal job. This slide and the next two slides review the job restrictions and what capabilities that you do have so your employer can bring you back to work and ensure your safety while you are recovering from your work related incident.

SO… It’s Really An Easy Choice Practice safety at all times. You must make the decision to wear your eye protection For most work areas, a simple pair of safety glasses is enough But, they won’t protect against all eye injuries SO…

Summary Chose the right kind of eye protection for the job: Impact injuries Flying moving objects and dust Chemical injuries Splashes and fumes Heat injuries Working around heat, sparks, or flames Light injuries From exposure to infrared and ultraviolet radiation

Wear Eye Protection! You make the choice Wear safety glasses Click for Eye Safety Video Do you have questions? Contact your supervisor or EHS.