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Most often, people who have Dry Eye Syndrome are middle-aged or older. An estimated 4.88 million Americans over the age of 50 have dry eyes. Although Dry Eye Syndrome is more common to middle age and beyond, younger industrial workers often are subjected to conditions that cause the same symptoms.
While employers are responsible for providing the personal protective equipment to keep all their workers safe, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely meets the needs of each individual. This is especially true when it comes to safety eyewear.
Given the eyes’ complexity, size and location, they are extremely vulnerable to injury – from flying or falling objects in the yard, sand and dust particles, chemicals and vapors from household cleaning products and even ultraviolet light. And in many workplaces eye hazards are abundant.
Do you know home projects like these can be a major threat to eye safety? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly half of all serious eye injuries occur at home, yet only 35 percent of Americans wear protective eyewear during projects that could pose a threat to their eyes.
After the structural collapse of a large building, emergency responders and support personnel are often exposed to hazardous agents and conditions. These workers are at high risk of injury and illness at such a site. Described below are common eye hazards and injuries that can occur during these operations and recommendations for protective eye gear, first aid, and steps for preventing eye injuries.
Potential eye hazards against which protection is needed in the workplace are: Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles); Chemicals (splashes and fumes); Radiation (especially visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation, and lasers); Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids.
Nearly one million Americans have lost some degree of their sight due to an eye injury. More than 700,000 Americans injure their eyes at work each year. Luckily, 90% of all workplace eye injuries can be avoided by using proper safety eyewear.
