Based on the data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 2,000 work-related cases of eye injuries every day. Unfortunately, 90% of these injuries could have been easily prevented. This alarming number necessitates the use of protective eyewear, like the Bolle safety glasses. Here are some common industry hazards and how wearing glasses can protect workers from them:
Dust
Specks of dust are the most common eye hazards in the workplace, especially if the person is working in a construction site or a mining area. These small particles blow randomly and can catch you off guard. Without protective lenses, they can easily slip through and cause endophthalmitis, an infection that can irritate the eyes. It may not be noticeable at first, but prolonged exposure may damage the cornea. In most cases, putting on a simple goggle would prevent injuries caused by minor dust blows.
High-intensity penetration
In works that involve sawing, grinding, chiselling, sanding, riveting, and drilling, being exposed to flying fragments is inevitable. Just like dust, these chips can also cause endophthalmitis. More severe cases could also put the eyes at risk for abrasions, punctures, and contusions. For maximum protection from fragments, your eye gear must have shields on the sides, like the Bolle safety glasses. With this design, the eyes can be protected from all directions.
Heat
People working with metals and electrical units are exposed to flying sparks and melting substances. Due to this exposure, a lot of people in this industry can experience burns. Having an arc-eye caused by the flying sparks is common. Another long-term effect of exposing the eyes to a welding job is manganism. Typically called the Welder’s Parkinson’s Disease, manganism is primarily caused by manganese poisoning emitted by metals and transmitted through eye exposure. To avoid this, welders should wear goggles with side shields and face masks for an additional layer of protection.
Chemicals
Safety glasses worn by people working with wood and metals are called impact glasses. On the other hand, eye protection used by laboratory workers is called chemical splash goggles. In the laboratory, workers are often exposed to chemicals, fumes, preserved specimens, glass fragments, and other projectiles. As such, their eye protection requirement is different from those in other industries.
The kind of eyewear they wear is more pliable than the usual safety glasses. It also provides better ventilation and is often featured with anti-fog.
One unique feature of a chemical splash goggles is that it has a hood over its opening to adequately protect the eyes from harmful substances.
Optical radiation
Some highly industrial work uses laser technology that emits dangerous hazards such as light radiation, infrared, and ultraviolet rays. These harmful emissions might cause permanent damages caused by retinal burns. Furthermore, they also put the worker at risk for cataract if there is prolonged use. As required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), unique eye gear that can meet the intensity and the power density of the laser beams should be used in this line of work.
Experiencing an eye injury can be very debilitating. It would not just cost a person his job, but also his sight. The good thing is that eye injuries are very preventable. They can easily be avoided by wearing safety glasses. As such, employers and workers should exercise strict implementation of wearing this protective equipment.
