Workplace Eye Wellness Month

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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. In support of this we’ve decided to take a look at all the ways in which we can keep our eyes safe while we’re at work.
 
Eye safety at work is an important part of overall workplace safety. Prevent Blindness, based in the US, announced March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month in order to provide employers and employees with free information on preventing eye injuries in the workplace. Although this is a national month in the US, we can still take some important tips to use in any country or workplace.
 
According to Prevent Blindness, more than 2000 people suffer injuries to their eyes at work each day in the US. So, what risks do we have to look out for?
 
Objects that can damage our eyes
 
This can be a bigger risk in areas such as construction but it’s something we should look out for everyday no matter where we work. Even shop workers or teachers using different equipment with their students should be mindful.
 
Chemicals can be harmful to our eyes
 
Cleaning products and other hazardous materials can cause severe damage if they come into contact with our eyes. Burns can also be a risk in certain professions too.
 
Watch out for digital eye strain
 
We also need to consider damage that be caused by screens. This affects those who work in offices and others who spend a lot of time in front of a screen all day.
 
What can we do to prevent eye injuries?
 

• Protect your eyes as a first step. Use any PPE necessary in professions where hazards are a big risk and remember, PPE needs to fit well in order to be effective so as an employer you must make sure this is fitted properly to your employee.

 

• Be prepared in case of an emergency and set up appropriate first aid procedures in case they’re required.

 

• Educate employees on the risks and the need for protective eyewear.

 

• Support employees. Management is key in offering this support to employers and employees.

 
Office workers are at risk too and we need to ensure we’re protecting against digital eye strain. What can we do in an office environment?
 

• Modify lighting so we keep overhead lighting to a minimum.

 

• Reduce glare from screens and windows

 

• Make sure your monitor is 24-28 inches away from your eyes and monitor your posture

 

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20 second break from your screen to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

 
Workplace eye wellness month teaches us that it doesn’t matter what industry we are in, we need to protect our vision as best we can. For more tips look at Prevent Blindness for more resources.