This post was written by Mandy Toney, PA-C, ATC, Occupational Health, Parkview Employer Solutions.
Eye health and safety are crucial for overall well-being, especially in the workplace. In 2020, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that 18,510 eye-related injuries or illnesses resulted in at least one day away from work, with the majority of these cases caused by contact with foreign objects. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), advises many of these injuries care preventable. In this post we'll discuss common workplace eye hazards and the proper safety measures to avoid them.
In the office
Good eye health helps workers stay focused and comfortable, preventing issues like headaches and eye strain. In office settings, workers often spend long hours looking at screens, which can cause discomfort or eye problems if not appropriately addressed. Additional factors like poor lighting, bad posture and sitting too close to the computer can negatively affect eye safety. Bright lights or glare from windows can make it difficult to focus, leading to eye strain. Spending too much time in front of a screen can cause dry eyes, blurred vision or headaches.
To reduce these side effects and keep your eyes comfortable:
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Optimize your work setup. This can include adjusting lighting, using anti-glare screen protectors and keeping your computer screen at eye level and about an arm's length away.
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Take regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
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Consider blue light-blocking glasses. Special eyewear can help lessen visual strain by reflecting or blocking high-energy, short-wavelength blue light from digital screens and other sources.
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Stay hydrated and blink frequently to help prevent dry eyes.
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Schedule regular eye exams to detect problems early and ensure that your vision remains clear.
Out in the field
When working outside an office, there are extra risks to eye safety, such as sun or welding light exposure, dust or flying debris. The ACOEM notes that too much sun exposure can lead to serious eye problems, like cataracts or damage to the retina. To prevent eye injury in high-risk environments:
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Wear protective eyewear. If working outdoors, choose sunglasses with UV protection and safety goggles or face shields if you work with dirt, metal (especially welding), chemicals or power tools.
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Adhere to workplace safety protocols and report any unsafe conditions or incidents that may cause eye injuries.
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Take breaks and stay hydrated.
Final thoughts
Regardless of your occupation, everyone can benefit from practicing good eye hygiene. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes and applying eye drops or makeup to avoid introducing foreign objects or bacteria that cause irritation or infections.
By following these safety practices and taking proactive steps, you can maintain good eye health both at work and in daily life.
Employee resources to support a healthy workforce
Parkview Employer Solutions partners with area businesses, delivering innovative services to improve the health and well-being of employees, including Occupational Health, Proactive Injury Care, Employee Assistance Programs, Workplace Wellness, Employer Clinics, Diabetes Care Direct and more.
Contact [email protected] for additional information.
