Eye injuries in the workplace are not rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “[E]ach day about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment.” Over 100 such injuries sideline employees for 24 hours or longer – although some estimate that in the construction business, the number is larger than that.
Professionals in the construction industry face numerous hazards to their eyes all the time. They need to take meticulous care to protect their eyes whenever they are on a worksite. Even when they do, however, the nature of their work can pose a significant threat to their vision.
What are typical dangers to workers’ eyes on construction sites?
Hazards to workers’ eyes at construction sites are just about everywhere. Construction-related eye threats include the following:
- Intense heat from things like furnaces is dangerous.
- Chemicals can splash or spill, burning your eyes.
- Objects can penetrate your eye, causing major, perhaps lasting, damage.
- Specks so tiny you can’t even detect them can end up in your eyes.
- They can be from metal, wood, dirt, plastic or other materials.
- Prolonged or repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is an eye-health hazard.
How can construction workers guard against these eye dangers?
Construction workers can diminish the chance of having eye problems by taking proactive measures. One is by being trained thoroughly regarding appropriate techniques for preventing eye injuries in the first place. The other is to use the correct gear including goggles or other protective eyewear.
When you hurt your eye or eyes at work
Seek medical care quickly. Your vision could depend on it. Filing a workers’ compensation claim may be another step you choose to take.