Unfortunately, eye-related injuries are a very common incident. Averagely, 800,000 eye injuries happened on the job yearly, including 36,000 that occurred during time off from work. However, the eye health and safety organization Prevent Blindness America has stated that 90% of all eye injuries can be avoided by wearing appropriate eye protection. Some typical causes of workplace related eye injuries are chemical burns, cuts, lacerations, and punctures. Workers from the industries of production, transportation and service have a higher risk to be involved in eye injuries due to their nature of work.
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The senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America said that “Our vision is something that so many people take for granted until it’s damaged, we hope to encourage employers and employees to ensure that eye protection is on the ‘to do’ list every day.”
More information from Prevent Blindness America
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Many do not realise the importance of eye protection in the workplace; most workers suffer from eye injuries due to improper eye protection or the absence of any eye protection at all. Just by simply covering your eyes, most potential hazards can be avoided. Here are the top six reasons for you to wear proper eye protection.
They are now fashion-friendly! Many people prefer not to wear eye protection like safety glasses as they found the limited styling options are boring and unattractive. However, there are more and more options and designs available now and many companies offer customised frames. It’s open to you to have bright colours or subdued tones.
Companies that don’t provide proper safety gear and enforce safety protocols to their workers may find themselves financially liable for the safety incidents that happened at their worksite. In reality, there was a settlement where a construction worker received $2.65 million compensation from his company for permanent damage incurred when a nail ricocheted backwards and struck his left eye. The worker claimed that he had requested protective eyewear, but was instructed to work without it. Considering that most safety eyewear are cheap and affordable, employers have no excuse not to provide employees with the proper protection. A professional workplace atmosphere can only be formed if the employers provide proper safe gear and enforce safety protocols for their workers. A good company’s reputation can be brought up, by doing the right thing.
Types of Eye Protection: Its Advantages and Limitations
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Correct eye protection is chosen based on the working properties depending on the types of exposure, and the use of other PPE, and has to be fitted with personal vision needs. There are various types of protective eyewear, wise selection should be made by taking the nature of work and extent of hazard into account. Besides, selected eye protection must be comfortable to wear, adjustable, and allow clear vision for a secure fit.
Types of Eye Protection | Advantages | Limitations |
Safety Glasses |
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- Not impervious to all impacts especially in liquid or vapour form.
- Metal frame safety glasses cannot be used when performing electrical work. |
Goggles |
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- Safety goggles can fog when in use |
Face Shields |
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- Some face shields are not rated for impact protection.
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Full-face Respirators |
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- Usage base on the assessment of the respiratory hazard (e.g.: infection control situation) |
Storage and Care:
Eye and Face Protection Specialist: Safetyware
The best way to avoid eye and face injuries is the use of eye protection and face protection PPE. Safetyware, being the leader of personal protective equipment in Malaysia & the region, supplies comprehensive solutions for eye & face protection. Whether you require safety glasses, safety goggles, prescription safety eyewear or face shield, we have the right solution for you. Our eye and face protection PPE provide protection against hazards such as impact, chemical splash and radiation. Besides offering Safetyware brand of safety glasses & goggles, we also supply quality products from Elvex (USA), Delta Plus (France), Essilor (France), Honeywell (USA), Titmus (USA), 3M (USA) and Portwest (Ireland). You can count on Safetyware as your trusted manufacturer & supplier of eye protection and face protection PPE.
If you require prescription safety glasses, we offer eye test service via our network of appointed optometrists & opticians throughout Malaysia. This allows you to obtain the right prescription safety glasses with ease and convenience. Please contact us now for more information.