Eye safety in the workplace is a commonly overlooked issue. Unless a worker is assigned in a hazardous environment, he’s not likely to wear any protective eye gear.
Unfortunately, the industrial setting isn’t the only place you can compromise your vision. Even working at home can negatively affect your eyes.
As a guide, here are some of the ways you can promote eye safety at work.
Maintaining Eye Safety in Factories/Industrial Settings
Job-related eye injuries are common, especially for carpenters, mechanics, plumbers and other craft workers. Serious injuries could leave your vision impaired for life so make it a point to protect your eyes while at work.
Here’s how:
1. Understand the Risks
Most eye injuries are caused by small particles or larger objects hitting the eye. It’s a fairly common incident among people who work in factories and construction sites.
In addition to that, exposure to chemicals, radiation and bodily fluids could also raise the risk of injury, contamination and blood-borne diseases.
If you work in an industry where you’re exposed to these dangers, pay special attention to your environment and gauge how at risk you are.
2. Protect Your Eyes
The best way to prevent eye injury while at work is to wear protective eye gears, which are considered 90% effective. Because of this, most industries require workers to wear impact-resistant safety goggles, protective glasses, face shields or helmets.
You can also get prescription safety glasses or special eyewear that can protect against radiation and chemicals.
3. Replace Eyewear Regularly
Replace glasses and protective gears if they show signs of damage. In addition to their negative effects on your eyesight, they can also potentially cause injuries.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure to have them replaced before they scratch your eyes. Scratched eyes can disrupt your vision and make you more prone to infections.
They can also increase your sensitivity to light, too.
If you wear prescription glasses, it’s a good idea to consider LASIK eye surgery to get rid of them. It’s safe, painless and the best choice for vision correction.
Maintaining Eye Safety in an Office
Industrial settings are not the only ones that can put your vision in danger. Working at an office or from home can also affect your eye health, especially if you spend long hours in front of a computer.
Digital eye strain has become a common complaint. In fact, over 70% of Americans suffer from it today.
To make sure you don’t end up adding to that number, here are some of the best tips you can try:
Modify Your Workspace
The area where you work should be set up in an eye-friendly manner to prevent strain and improve comfort.
Ideally, the center of your computer screen’s display should be 10-15 degrees below your eye level and 20-24 inches away to keep your eyes and neck comfortable.
Keep the brightness of your computer screen at a level that matches the area around it. Make sure to reduce the color temperature and enlarge the text so you can read easily.
See Also: 8 Ways To Set Up An Awesome Home Office
Install Proper Lighting
The wrong lighting can affect your eye comfort, especially if there’s glare on your computer screen or work surface.
To ensure proper lighting in your office, avoid placing lights directly over your head or behind you. If you use a desk lamp, ensure that it doesn’t shine straight on, over or behind your computer screen.
Use blinds or drapes to reduce glare from windows. You can also install adjustable lighting so you can choose a comfortable level of illumination for your work.
Take Frequent Breaks
If you stare at a computer screen for too long, your eyes are going to get strained. Give them a break by following the 20-20-20 rule.
This technique involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Blinking 20 times every few minutes can help as well.
Stepping away from the computer for 5-10 minutes to stretch and walk around also improves eye comfort. In addition to that, moving around reduces muscle strain and boosts productivity, too.
See Also: 7 Foods that can Improve your Eyesight
No matter what your job is, your eye safety in the workplace should be a top priority. It won’t only ensure your health, but it can also boost your productivity and efficiency.
If ever you face an eye injury, blurriness or loss of vision, seek medical attention right away. The earlier you receive medical help, the more you’ll be able to prevent severe eye damage.
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