While the eyes may be the window to the soul, Michigan workers know that they are also critical for working. Without the ability to see, employees wouldn’t be able to function properly. The eyes are extremely susceptible to injury however, so steps must be taken every day to make sure that they are safe. Here are some important safety steps that can be used to help protect a worker’s eyes while on the job.
The first step to protect one’s eyes from an industrial injury is to create a safe work environment. This can be accomplished in several ways such as by reducing the hazards presented by falling debris. The environment can also be improved by making sure that workers are properly trained on all tools, and by making sure that the safety features for these tools are activated.
Another very important eye protection step is to wear the proper protective gear while working. This includes selecting the proper eye and face protection, and making sure that they are in good working order. They must also fit properly in order to be effective.
Proper work practices can also help protect the eyes. One of the most important practices is to properly remove dust and debris from all head and eye protective gear before removing them. This can be done by either brushing, shaking or vacuuming. Workers can also protect their eyes by not rubbing them with dirty hands or clothing. It is also important to prepare for any potential eye injury before it happens by having the proper first aid and eye wash materials close at hand.
Following simple steps like these is a good way to prevent one’s eyes from a work accident. But if a Michigan worker has been injured on the job, he or she may want to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in order to fully understand all of the legal options available.
Source: cdc.gov, “Eye safety checklist“, Accessed Aug. 10, 2015