A flash burn is a painful inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye. A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright ultraviolet (UV) light. It can be caused by all types of UV light, but welding torches are the most common source. That’s why it is sometimes called ‘welder’s flash’ or ‘arc eye.’
The effect of plastic on workers in the plastic industry, Apple’s efforts to resist curbs on distracted driving and amateur video helps a state OSH agency crack down on asbestos violators. These were among the top safety stories featured this week on ISHN.com.
According to the National Safety Council, occupational injuries occur every seven seconds in the United States. Stringent regulation for the health and well-being of employees has led to advancements in processes, safety procedures, and first aid protocols to treat the injured.
OSHA standards clearly define mandatory compliance and requirements for employers to follow with respect to eye and face protection. Following these requirements ensures protection against chemical, environmental, and radiological hazards or mechanical irritants.
More than one in three U.S. workers are now Millennials, having surpassed Baby Boomers and Gen Xers as the largest generation in the U.S. labor force. Born between 1980 and 2000, they are also the first truly digital generation.
Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. Each day, over 2,000 Americans suffer an eye injury. This means that almost one million Americans have experienced some vision loss due to eye injury, which has resulted in more than $300 million in lost work time, medical expenses and workman’s compensation.
OSHA estimates that over three million U.S. workers are at risk for job-related eye injuries and more than 2,000 are actually injured every business day.
Electromagnetic energy given off by an arc or flame can injure workers’ eyes and is commonly referred to as radiant energy or light radiation. For protection from radiant energy, workers must use personal
protective equipment, such as safety glasses, goggles, welding helmets, or welding face shields.
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.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an estimated 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear. Even a minor injury to the cornea—like that from a small particle of dust or debris—can be painful and become a life-long issue, so take the extra precaution and always protect the eyes.
