Real-Life Eye Safety Lesson: A Near Miss That Could Have Been Avoided
Protecting Your Vision: Eye Safety Tips for the Workplace March is Eye Safety Month, a perfect time to focus on preventing workplace eye injuries. Every day, around 2,000 U.S. workers suffer an eye injury on the job, with one-third requiring emergency medical treatment. The good news? 90% of these injuries could be prevented with the right eye protection.
The Importance of Proper Eye Protection
OSHA mandates that employers provide and enforce the use of proper eye and face protection when workers are exposed to potential hazards like flying debris, chemicals, and radiation. Protective eyewear must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards to ensure safety against impact, dust, and splashes.
A Real-Life Lesson: A Near Miss That Could Have Been Avoided
Mark, a seasoned welder in a fabrication shop, was working on a routine job when a piece of molten metal shot up unexpectedly. He was wearing his welding helmet but had forgotten to put on his safety goggles underneath.
In seconds, a hot metal fragment burned his eyelid, narrowly missing his eye. If he had been wearing his ANSI Z87.1-rated safety goggles, the injury could have been completely avoided.
After a painful recovery and weeks off work, Mark now never skips his eye protection—and he makes sure his team doesn’t either.
Lesson learned? The right eye protection can mean the difference between a close call and permanent vision loss.
Top Workplace Eye Safety Tips
To prevent injuries like Mark’s, follow these key safety tips:
âś… Conduct a Hazard Assessment – Identify risks in your work environment and select the right type of eye protection.
âś… Wear ANSI Z87.1-Certified Eyewear – Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields must meet industry standards for impact resistance.
âś… Use the Right PPE for the Task – Choose safety goggles for chemical exposure, tinted lenses for UV protection, and full-face shields for high-impact tasks.
âś… Keep Eyewear Clean & Scratch-Free – Scratched or dirty lenses can reduce visibility and increase risk. Clean eyewear regularly and replace damaged equipment.
âś… Encourage a Culture of Safety – Ensure that all employees understand eye protection policies and encourage them to hold each other accountable.
OSHA Eye Protection Standards You Should Know
? OSHA 1910.133 – Eye and face protection for general industry (Read More)
? OSHA 1926.102 – Eye and face protection for construction workers (Read More)
? OSHA Fact Sheet on Eye Safety – Best practices for PPE selection and training (Read More)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Take Your Vision for Granted
Your eyes are irreplaceable—taking the right precautions can mean the difference between a safe day at work or a life-altering injury. This Eye Safety Month, take the time to review your workplace eye protection policies, upgrade outdated PPE, and reinforce safety training.
Want to make sure your team is OSHA-compliant and fully protected? Contact us today for custom eye safety solutions and PPE recommendations!
Review eye protection policies and shop for compliant safety eyewear now!
