There are approximately 50,000 eye injuries in Australian Workplaces each year, with many of these injuries occurring in construction, mining, agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries.
The human eye is a very delicate structure that is easily damaged by small foreign bodies, such as sawdust and metal shavings. Eye protection should always be worn when in situations where particles or fluid could enter the eye.
Due to the sensitivity of the eye, it is vital that first aid is applied immediately when irritation or injury occurs. By responding in the first few minutes, you dramatically decrease the possibility of infection or loss of sight.
First Aid Response to an Eye Injury
- If a foreign body gets caught in the eye, it is critical to avoid touching and rubbing the eye— and avoid trying to remove it with your fingers. Rubbing can cause more damage to the eye surface.
- If the patient is wearing contact lenses, they should be removed.
- If there is a foreign body trapped in the eye, try flushing it out using clean running water, ideally from an eyewash station, eyewash dropper or a sodium chloride eyewash.
- If the object is trapped in the white part of the eye, it can be removed using a wet cotton swab. If it isn’t clearly visible or is over the coloured part of the eye, do not try to remove the object.
- Never use tweezers or any similar tool, as they can cause serious injury.
- Never try to remove metal objects that are lodged in the eye. This should be done by a doctor or a trained specialist with proper equipment.
How to Prevent an Eye Injury from Occurring
- Wear eye protection such as safety glasses and goggles in any environment where objects such as sand, dust and debris flying around.
- Wear a protective face shield or welding helmet when welding or if you are surrounded by people welding.
- Wear protective eyewear when cutting wood or mowing lawns.
Responding to an eye emergency becomes simpler with a well-organised eye-wound module in your first-aid kit. For a complete set of eye protection gear and a first aid kit, browse our range at https://www.southland.com.au