Each day about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 of these injuries result in one or more days of lost work. The biggest factors of eye injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye.
The type of eye protection-safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets must meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When choosing “safety glasses” the primary considerations are to ensure that the glasses provide necessary impact protection and that they meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1 standard. Both frame and lens must meet this standard. Always look for an ANSI Z87.1 stamp when choosing proper eye protection.
The Edison Accident Prevention Manual States the following:
Approved eye-protective devices are provided on jobs that require eye protection. Such devices should fit properly, be kept clean at all times, shall not be altered, and shall be worn when an employee is engaged in or in the vicinity of work involving:
- The handling of exposed energized parts of equipment or systems energized at 120 volts or more between conductors.
- Drilling or chipping stone, brick, concrete, paint, pipe coatings, or metal.
- Grinding, buffing, or wire brushing, whether there is a guard or not.
- Dust or flying particles.
- Welding, cutting, or burning.
- The use of hot or dangerous substances.
- Injurious light or heat rays.
- While mixing or working around injurious chemicals.
- When wearing a face shield where eye protection is required.
- Any other job where there is recognized danger of eye injury.
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Eye safety is no accident. Nothing can replace the loss of an eye. Protect your eyesight from workplace hazards by wearing and caring for appropriate, approved protective eyewear. You’ll see the difference.