National Workplace Eye Wellness Month: Protecting Your Vision

Every year, the National Safety Council (NSC) observes Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March. The goal of this observance is to raise awareness about the importance of eye safety in the workplace and to encourage employers and employees to take steps to protect their vision.

Why is Eye Safety in the Workplace Important?

Eye safety in the workplace is important for several reasons. Eye injuries can be painful, debilitating, and even cause permanent vision loss. In addition, workplace eye injuries can result in lost workdays, decreased productivity, and increased medical costs.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 2,000 U.S. workers sustain eye injuries on the job every day. The majority of these injuries are preventable with the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and safety helmets.

Steps Employees Can Take to Ensure Eye Safety

1. Wear Appropriate PPE

One of the most important steps employees can take to ensure eye safety is to wear appropriate PPE for the task at hand. This may include safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or safety helmets. It is important to follow the employer's guidelines for PPE use and to replace any damaged or worn equipment immediately.

2. Know Your Environment

Employees should also be aware of the hazards present in their work environment. This includes understanding the potential for flying debris, chemicals, radiation, or other dangers that could impact the eyes. Being aware of these hazards and taking the necessary precautions can help prevent eye injuries.

3. Report Hazardous Conditions

If an employee notices a hazardous condition in the workplace, they should report it immediately to their supervisor. This includes hazards such as broken equipment, missing eye protection, or other unsafe conditions that could impact eye safety.

Steps Employers Can Take to Ensure Eye Safety

1. Provide Appropriate PPE

Employers have a responsibility to provide their employees with appropriate PPE to protect against eye hazards. This may include safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or safety helmets. Employers should also ensure that PPE is regularly inspected and replaced as necessary.

2. Implement a Safety Program

Employers can also implement a safety program that includes training on eye safety and the proper use of PPE. This training should be conducted regularly and should be mandatory for all employees.

3. Conduct Regular Safety Inspections

Employers should conduct regular safety inspections to identify and address any hazards in the workplace that could impact eye safety. This may include inspecting equipment, checking for missing or damaged PPE, and ensuring that employees are following established eye safety procedures.

4. Encourage Reporting of Hazardous Conditions

Employers should also encourage their employees to report hazardous conditions that could impact eye safety. This includes providing a system for reporting hazards and addressing these concerns in a timely manner.

Ocusafe is Proud to Support Workplace Eye Wellness Month with our Safety Glasses

Eye safety in the workplace is important for protecting employees from serious injuries. By taking the necessary steps to ensure eye safety, both employees and employers can help prevent workplace eye injuries and ensure a safe and productive work environment. Shop our selection of safety glasses and even safety sunglasses, today!