March is recognized as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a reminder of how important it is for employers and employees to prioritize proper eye protection. Organizations are encouraged to take proactive steps to reduce exposures and maintain long‑term eye health.
Essential Eye Care Practices
Maintaining good eye health is essential for overall well-being. Whether you’re at work or enjoying your free time, taking proactive steps to protect your vision can prevent serious eye conditions and injuries.
- Regular Eye Exams: Professional exams are the only way to accurately assess vision, and optometrists can diagnose potential eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration in their beginning stages.
- Proper Eye Protection: Use protective eyewear, such as safety glasses and goggles, to avoid getting foreign objects in your eyes.
- Prescription Lenses & Contacts: Wear prescription lenses and contacts as prescribed. Clean your hands properly before and after inserting or removing contact lenses.
- 20-20-20 Rule: If you’re on a screen for a long period of time, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses to block out ultraviolet radiation from entering your eyes. Lenses should block out 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Workplace Eye Hazards & Safety Tips
Workplace eye risks vary widely across industries, but many fall into a few key categories: airborne debris, chemical exposure and digital eye strain. Understanding these hazards, and the right protective measures, helps reduce the likelihood of preventable injuries.
Common workplace hazards:
- Particles such as sawdust, metal shards or flying debris
- Chemical splashes or fumes
- Extended screen time that contributes to digital eye strain
Core prevention practices:
- Use task‑appropriate, ANSI‑approved eyewear
- Keep eyewash stations clearly marked and accessible
- Ensure proper PPE for chemical handling and splash‑risk activities
- Support ergonomic workstation setups for employees who use screens regularly
How to respond if an injury occurs:
- Foreign Objects: Do not attempt to remove anything embedded in the eye. Cover it with a shield and seek immediate medical care.
- Dust or Debris: Go to an eyewash station immediately, or flush with any clean water source if one isn’t available.
- Blunt Trauma: Avoid pressure on the eye, apply a cold compress and seek medical evaluation if swelling persists or pain increases.
Reach Out to an Advisor
If you have any questions about eye safety or need further guidance on implementing eye protection measures in your workplace, contact a Risk Consultant today. Our team is here to help you ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.