Each year, thousands of Americans suffer on-the-job eye injuries that result in vision loss. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace eye injuries cost more than $924 million in workers’ compensation each year. Most on-the-job eye injuries can be prevented with the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face. Employers, site managers and workers should work together to implement safety practices and protocols to mitigate the risk of eye injuries in the workplace. Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, special considerations and precautions should be taken to reduce the spread of the virus between workers as well as the public they’re serving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day, roughly 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries in the workplace that require medical care. Eye injuries can vary based on the severity and the area damaged. Workers in industrial, construction and trade industries may be at higher risk of eye injuries, including: