EYE PROTECTION FACTS & TIPS

Every day, more than 1000 workers suffer eye injuries, many of which are serious.

Approximately one million Americans have lost some degree of sight to eye injuries. Each year, nearly 100,000 of these injuries will be disabling, resulting in temporary or permanent vision loss.

A bureau of statistics survey found that 3 out of 5 workers who suffered an eye injury wore no protection.  40% of those who did, wore the wrong kind.

Most injuries are caused by metal fragments, tools, particles, chemicals, and harmful radiation (welding flash).

If chemicals splash into your eye(s), you should immediately flush the eye(s) with water or any drinkable liquid, forcing the eyelids open, if necessary. Continue flushing eye(s) for at least 15 minutes. Seek emergency medical treatment as quickly as possible after flushing eye(s).

If you get an object in your eye - Don't rub your eye! Try to flush the object out by lifting the upper eyelid outward and pulling it down over the lower lashes. if this doesn't work, seek medical attention immediately.

Household/Yard Tips

Cleaning products such as oven drain and furniture cleaners, as well as some combinations of detergents, ammonia, bleaches, polishes and other similar products can produce serious eye injuries or even blindness if they accidentally contact the eye. Wear chemical safety goggles when hazardous solvents and detergents.

Lawn mowers and weed trimmers can hurl stones or debris; power blowers, trimmers, saws and axes can fling clippings; or the wind can blow chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. Wear safety glasses or dust goggles to protect against flying particles and chemical goggles to guard against exposure to fertilizers and pesticides.