The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports approximately 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries that require medical attention every day. The result of a typical eye injury is two days off work on average, but many result in more than a week.
Encova Insurance is happy to share information that can help business owners identify the main causes of eye injuries and safeguard their employees.
Common eye hazards include flying particles, sometimes smaller than the head of a pin, and exposure to harmful substances or the environment. Many workplaces are home to potential hazards, such as:
- Acids and other chemicals
- Tools or equipment
- Welding materials
- Dust or sawdust
- Molten metal and other liquids at extreme heats
Lack of eye protection or the incorrect type of eye protection leads to these accidents, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reporting that 40% of employees who are required to wear eye protection do not know the appropriate kind for their workplace.
Appropriate eyewear must be selected to ensure employee safety. Encourage the use one of these common eye protection options:
- Safety glasses with side shields
- Goggles
- Face shields
- Helmets (e.g., welding)
- Eye protection with special filters
Contact your Encova workers’ compensation safety and loss control consultant to discuss potential hazards, protection options and more.