Across the nation, the month of March is recognized as Workplace Eye Wellness month.
FACT: There are 20,000 eye injuries in the workplace each year.
– The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
According the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) the thousands of people who suffer eye injuries and/or are blinded account for over $300 million in lost productivity, medical expenses and worker compensation. This means an injured worker is likely to miss one or may days of work due to the accident.
Occupational safety is mandated by law. OSHA requires all employer to ensure workplace safety to protect against numerous hazards potentially caused by chemicals, the environment, radiation or machines. As a result, employers where such hazards exist are required to provide appropriate eye and face protection in the form of goggles, masks, helmets and safety glasses, depending on the type of activity you are involved with.
In addition to eye injuries in the workplace, many eye injuries also occur at home while doing activities or other products. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma recommends every US household have at least one pair of protective eyewear approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This protective eyewear would have “ANSI Z87.1” marked on either the frame or lens. Home dangers include injury from chemicals, flying debris, small particles or even larger projectiles, objects or tools that could fly into the eye without warning.