Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.

July is Eye Injury Prevention Month

July 6, 2016 . 1 min read

Eye injuries of all types occur at a rate of more than 2,000 per day. In particular, an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that almost 70% of the eye injuries studied occur from falling or flying objects, or sparks striking the eye.
Given the importance of eyesight, eye protection should always be a top priority in any workplace. One thing to remember is that preventing eye injuries is not complicated.

ASSESS your facility to identify hazardous areas and provide the proper eye safety equipment.
PLAN for emergencies by making sure eyewash and first aid stations are easily accessible and identifiable.
PROTECT your eyes with approved safety eye equipment for your specific job hazard.
FIT eyewear to your face by consulting with an eye care professional.
EDUCATE on hazards and proper safety practices by having proper training programs in place.
REVIEW your facility’s accident prevention policies and procedures with employees on a regular basis.
TEST your vision during routine physical exams to help prevent accidents due to uncorrected vision problems.

As the old saying goes: “Prevention is better than a cure.” This applies to eye injuries too. These are easy tips to remember and they can dramatically decrease eye injuries in your workplace.