Don’t be blind to eye safety at work

As part of Safe Work Australia Week 2008 (19 - 25 October), New Town optometrist, Beverley Reid is calling on employees and employers to improve eye safety in the workplace.

“Sixty per cent of all eye injuries happen in the workplace, so it’s imperative that employers and employees work together to ensure eye safety procedures are in place to prevent accidents,” says Beverley.

“Eye injuries in the workplace are most commonly caused by grinding and welding related activities."

"Another common cause is when workers walk by or help others perform tasks without wearing any, or the appropriate, eye protection."

"Workers who wear standard spectacles are often lulled into a false sense of security, believing their eyes are sufficiently protected. But standard spectacles are only designed to correct vision. They are not proper safety glasses.”

Beverley says safety glasses should fully cover the eye area and provide side protection. Wearing the right eye protection for the job will prevent eye injuries.

"Contact lenses worn with appropriate eye protection is a great option for many workers, as it keeps out flying debris and provides an excellent field of vision for the wearer.”

Workers most commonly sustain eye injuries in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries.

Optometrists Association Australia recommends a three-step approach as outlined in the Australian Standard to reduce eye injuries in the workplace: Eliminate possible eye hazards, control potential hazards and wear correct eye protection.

Beverley says employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment, and workers and employers in occupations at risk of eye injuries can seek advice from their local optometrist.

For further information please contact Beverley Reid at New Town