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Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, EYE-Q reminds employers and workers about the importance of wearing certified and approved eye protection as well as awareness and tips for remote workers using screens.

Common workplace hazards
To prevent injuries, it’s important to know about on-the-job eye hazards. Eye protection is needed when the following potential eye hazards are present:

• 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

High risk occupations
These occupations have a high risk for eye injuries:

• Construction
• Auto repair
• Welding
• Electrical work
• Carpentry
• And more

How you can protect yourself from eye injury

• Know the eye safety dangers at your job.
• Eliminate potential dangers before working. E.g., machine guards, work screens, engineering controls.
• Use proper eye protection for your job. Not all protection is the same.
• Keep your safety eyewear in good condition and replace it if it becomes damaged.

Remote worker tips
While looking at a computer all day won’t cause permanent damage, it can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Try these tips to prevent digital eye strain:

• Sit at an arm’s length from your computer.
• Follow the “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The rule lets your eyes rest and readjust.
• Adjust your room lighting and increase the contrast on your computer.
• Over the counter artificial tears can be used up to four times a day to help refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Talk with your eye doctor if artificial tears are needed more than four times a day.