1. Be Aware of What’s Around You
A simple poke to the eye or a hit in the face may result in severe eye injuries that could take months to heal. Staying alert and remaining aware of all possible hazards reduces the risk of an unexpected injury that may keep you out of work for days or weeks at a time.
Your eyes are among the most important parts of your body. Without the ability to see, you won’t even be able to drive yourself to work — let alone work as efficiently as you did before you got hurt. Therefore, it may be helpful to either buy protective gear for your face or insist that your employer provide it for you if necessary.
2. Avoid Over Exposure to Screens
You may suffer severe eye strain by staring at your office computer or any other screen for too long. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to take a break at least once an hour or once every 30 minutes, if possible. Simply glancing over to the copier or looking down at your lap can help keep your eyes fresh and reduce the odds of an injury.
3. Wear Protective Goggles When Working with Hazardous Materials
Depending on your job, there may be a variety of substances that could come into contact with your face or eyes during work. For example, sawdust may float freely in the air when a builder cuts a piece of wood. A welder is often in close proximity to sparks from hot metal, which might reach their eyes or face when working with the material. Chemicals might spill while scientists experiment with them, which may result in chemical contact in the eye area. A pair of goggles can provide a shield that will likely protect those who work in fields where harmful substances might come into contact with their eyes.
4. Protect Your Eyes From Harmful Rays
When you work outside, make sure that you protect yourself from the sun’s glare. It may also be a good idea to wear sunglasses if you work in bright environments indoors. This will help reduce the glare and intensity of the light that hits your eyes while you work. Also, you should never look directly into the sun or any other type of light.
5. Don’t Rub Itchy or Dry Eyes
Rubbing an itchy eye with a hand that has touched pollen, wood shavings or other debris will likely make the issue worse. Doing so might result in an allergic reaction or possibly transmit a pathogen from your hand to your face. The better option may be to first wash your hands and then try to wash your eyes out with water or eye drops. If your eyes don’t get better, it may be a good idea to seek medical attention.
If you believe that your eyes or eye site are being negligently neglected by your employer, you may have a case. Contact a Palm Beach County workers compensation lawyer for more information or to discuss your potential case.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for their insight into on-the-job eye injuries.