Hazards in the workplace that can cause eye injuries include chemicals, radiation, flying objects, and dust or debris. The most common injuries are corneal abrasions, chemical burns, and foreign objects in the eye. The risk of injuries will always be present, therefore it’s vital to eliminate the hazards that may cause an eye injury wherever possible or by managing those hazards with appropriate controls.
Always:
- wash down equipment or workplaces to prevent airborne debris where possible
- ensure guards are in place on tools/equipment that creates airborne dust or debris
- wear the appropriate type of PPE for the work you are performing such as safety glasses for standard tasks, goggles when handling chemicals or where fine dust can be expected to be airborne and face shields in addition to safety glasses where small debris or projectile particles can become airborne.
Additionally, it is important to know where eyewash stations are located in your workplace and that you KNOW HOW TO USE THEM!