When you’re at work, your eyes may be constantly under assault. From the harsh light of a computer screen to debris and fumes in the air, your eyes are fighting an ongoing battle to stay safe and healthy. In order to make sure that you stay protected, follow these five tips for workplace eye safety.
Eye safety tips on the job
1. Wear protective eyewear. Whether you’re working with hazardous materials or just dealing with a lot of glare, wearing protective eyewear will help keep your eyes safe from harm. Ensure that the eyewear you choose is appropriate for the task at hand and fits well.
2. Eliminate hazards. Wearing protection alone is not enough; you also need to reduce or avoid hazards that put your eyes at risk. Develop protocols around your workplace that promote general eye safety.
3. Take breaks often. If you work in front of a screen or a place with a lot of glare, it is critical to give your eyes time off to rest. Take a break every 20 minutes or so to look away from the screen and blink several times.
4. Replace damaged goods. If you are wearing eye protection gear all the time at work, chances are that it will eventually get scratched, cracked or broken. You can’t risk depending on damaged goods to protect yourself; therefore, you must replace them.
5. Keep a first aid kit close at all times, just in case of an emergency. For instance, install an eyewash station near your workstation and have eye drops readily available for anyone who might need them.
What to do when injured on the job
If you’re injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey. Benefits available through the workers’ compensation system include medical expenses, income replacement, disability and death benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must have suffered an accidental injury or contracted an illness like Hepatitis B at work. You must also prove that your job caused the injury or illness.
Eye injuries are often preventable if you take the necessary precautions. If you do get injured, seek medical help immediately and then go after your compensation benefits.