Eye Injury Causes
Eye injuries at work can happen for various reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
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- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, there were over 18,500 eye-related injuries and illnesses that resulted in at least one day away from work.
- The majority of these injuries occurred when workers rubbed their eyes or were abraded by foreign matter, or when they were struck by an object or equipment.
- The remaining eye injuries were caused by exposure to harmful substances or environments, as well as violence or other injuries inflicted by persons or animals.
Where Accidents Occur Most Often
Workers who suffer the most eye injuries in the workplace typically fall into the following categories:
- Craft Workers: Including mechanics, repairers, carpenters, and plumbers, these roles face risks from tools, flying debris, and foreign matter.
- Operatives: Such as assemblers, sanders, and machine operators, they encounter hazards from machinery, grinding processes, and abrasive materials.
- Laborers: Often involved in physical tasks, laborers experience eye injuries from exposure to harmful substances, tools, and environments.
- Construction Trades Workers: Construction laborers and electricians are particularly vulnerable, facing risks from debris, sparks, and harmful substances.
- Manufacturing and Construction Workers: Nearly half of workplace eye injuries occur in manufacturing, with over 20% in construction, highlighting these industries' higher exposure levels.
Preventing Eye Injuries
- To ensure safety, it's crucial to always wear effective eye protection. For eye wear to be effective, it must be appropriate for the specific hazard and fit properly.
- Improving training and education is essential. The BLS found that most workers got injured doing their usual tasks. Many who weren't wearing protective eyewear thought it wasn't required by the situation. Despite most employers providing eye protection for free, around 40% of workers weren't informed about when and which type of eyewear to use.
- Maintenance is crucial for eye protection devices. If they're scratched or dirty, they can make it harder to see, create glare, and might lead to accidents.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most eye injuries are caused by _____.
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