In some Texas workplaces the risk of eye injuries is severe, especially manufacturing and machining plants. Not only can an eye injury impact a worker’s ability to earn a living, it can also result in permanent vision loss in some cases. Accordingly, it’s important for employers to take steps to prevent eye injuries, and PreventBlindness.org offers tips on how you can do just that.
If you provide routine physical exams for employees, make sure eye exams are a part of the process. Untreated vision issues can lead to problems at work, especially when workers must use heavy machinery or other potentially dangerous equipment. Ensuring their vision is good can prevent a workplace accident from occurring, including damaging eye injuries.
Hazardous workplaces must have accident prevention policies in place. This should include information on wearing protective eye gear, as well as what should be done if an accident occurs (such as procedures for using an eyewash station should a worker get caustic substances in his or her eyes). It’s also a good idea to review existing policies to make sure they are up-to-date.
Management must also set good examples when it comes to eye protection. Some workers may believe that such protection isn’t completely necessary, which in turn might lead them to not wearing it as necessary. In this case management must not only enforce safety policies, but also wear protective eye gear as required. Complying with safety rules should be a concerted effort, and it will be easier for management to enforce rules it they too are following along.