Construction sites are some of Australia’s most hazardous workplaces, with the construction sector accounting for 12% of serious compensation claims between 2015 and 2016. Research says that work-related eye injuries in Australia occurred to people as young as 15, but about 80% of the total injuries occurred to persons aged between 20 and 44 years.
A workplace eye injury can cause lingering, permanent vision damage, which can disable a worker for life. Even seemingly minor eye injuries can cause long-term problems, like recurrent and painful corneal erosion from a minimal scratch caused by sawdust, cement, or drywall. However, such injuries can be prevented, by using the right eye protection.
Types of Eye protection
Safety Glasses – Safety glasses are commonly used to protect construction workers from risks such as flying particles. Most safety glasses look like regular eyeglasses, while others offer added protection on the sides of the face in addition to right in front of the eyes. This peripheral side protection is often required to adequately protect workers’ eyes. Shaded safety glasses are also available for outdoor use and some safety glasses can be made with prescription lenses.
Safety Goggles – Safety goggles provide additional protection that some safety glasses cannot, by sealing against the wearer’s face. This means that safety goggles are more suitable for protecting workers from hazards like splashes, dirt, chemicals and other hazards that could splash into the eyes and could cause serious vision damage. Safety goggles with anti-fog lenses provide optimal protection while preserving your range of vision.
What are the risks of not wearing eye protection while at work?
Working in any type of construction work without eye protection can expose your eyes to dangers such as:
- Eyes can become irritated/infected from the entrance of a hazardous particles (sawdust, wood splinters, metal filings etc.)
- Eyesight can be permanently altered by exposure to splashes of concrete and other chemicals
- Eyes can be seriously injured by flying nails and other foreign objects
- Blindness can occur
- In the most serious cases, an entire eye can be lost due to workplace injury
First Aid for Eye Injury
If all workers wore proper eye protection, serious eye injuries could be drastically reduced. Obviously, the best way to deal with eye injuries is to use appropriate safety glasses, safety goggles, and other safety eyewear accessories. However, when an eye injury does occur in the workplace, everyone should know how to respond to prevent further damage.
Workplaces, especially construction sites should have emergency eyewash stations in areas where hazards are most likely to happen, and employees should know where to find them. It is recommended to label these stations and point workers toward them with signs or labels. First aid kits should also be readily available.
Southland Supply Group
At Southland, we supply a wide range of safety glasses and other types of eyewear protection from top brands like Bolle Safety, UVEX, 3M, ProChoice and more. In addition to our safety glasses and goggles range, we also offer many useful eyewear accessories, including anti-fog cleaning wipes, towelettes, cleaners, neck cords, cases, and much more. Browse our huge collection of safety eyewear and accessories to find exactly what you need.
