Eye injuries are not all that uncommon. In fact some 150,000 disabling eye injuries occur each and every year. And construction jobsites definitely have their share of eye hazards.
There are two important issues to consider; first, you need to have the proper eye protection, second, you need to use it!
People who wear glasses usually become so accustomed to them that without much thought they clean them, carry them in their pocket or purse so they are handy, and wear them when they are needed. Unfortunately, few of us are this mindful when it comes to eye protection, and too often we forget it.
The most common complaint about eye protection is that it’s uncomfortable. Protective eye equipment must be carefully fitted and then worn correctly. It may take some time to adjust to wearing goggles or safety glasses, but it will take much longer to adjust to losing your eyesight. If your goggles or glasses give you a headache, adjust the frames or straps or consider a new pair. Straps used to hold goggles or glasses in place should be adjusted to provide just enough tension to hold them securely. During hot weather, a sweatband will keep perspiration off your goggles or glasses and out of your eyes.
Take time to clean your goggles or glasses so they do not interfere with your vision. Don’t touch the lenses with your fingers, and keep them away from anything that could scratch or pit them.
When you are on a roof, consider the debris that you and your coworkers are stirring-up and how it can be carried by the wind. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause injury.
When you are in the shop,
think about the work you will be doing and wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks, and splashing chemicals. Never operate a grinder without goggles.
DISCUSSION NOTES:
What are some of the place you should wear eye protection?
Is the eye protection you have in god condition? Is it comfortable?
Have you ever had an eye injury at work? What happened, and what (if anything) do you do differently not to protect your eyes?
