You have to use your eyes to work, but are you doing everything you should be to protect them?
Oftentimes we think of “eye protection” as wearing safety goggles in a manufacturing plant, but the term also applies to desk jobs and across dozens of industries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,000 U.S. workers receive some form of medical treatment every day because of eye injuries sustained at work.
Here are 4 easy ways you can protect your eyes at work today.
Prevent Eye Strain
When the eyes become overworked, they can become prone to both short-and long-term problems. There are several ways to minimize strain on your eyes:
- Take 15 minute breaks from the computer screen every two hours
- Rest your eyes every 20 minutes by taking a good look around the room for 20 seconds
- Make sure the lighting in your work environment is bright enough to be comfortable
- Remember to blink to help keep the eyes moistened
Take Care of Safety Glasses Properly
If you do have to wear safety glasses, be certain they fit properly, otherwise you may be tempted to not wear them at all or they could fall off when you need them most. Keep your safety glasses clean to ensure maximum visibility and keep them in a case when they are not being worn. This small steps will protect them from scratches and other damages.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
No matter what type of job you are doing there is always the potential for accidents and emergencies. Know the proper procedures for treating the eye for chemical splashes, flying particles, radiation injuries, burns or a blow to the eye. Knowing what you are supposed to do and reacting quickly in an eye emergency can help prevent severe damage in many cases. Be familiar with the locations of eye wash stations and first aid supplies in the workplace in case an emergency does occur.
Observe Practical Work Habits
There are some practical ways to provide your eyes with added protection while at work. Remember to refrain from rubbing your eyes with dirty clothing or hands. Brush, vacuum or shake debris and dust from areas like hardhats, forehead and hair before removing your eye protection. Be sure to regularly clean your eyewear if you require any. Remember to wash your hands before rubbing your eyes at your office too – who knows where the hands of your coworkers have been!
