March is Workplace Vision Wellness Month, says Prevent Blindness American (PBA). The goal of this initiative is to educate businesses and their employees about the necessity of eye health, including safety tips on how to prevent vision-impairing eye mishaps.
Every day, workers are inflicted by job related eye injuries that need medical attention. Safety experts and healthcare professionals say that the two most common reasons that people get eye injuries is because they don't wear anything to protect their eyes or they are taking the wrong sorts of safety precautions.
Building, factory work, mining, carpentry, auto repair, electrical work, plumbing, metal welding and general maintenance are all high risk industries for eye injuries.
Safe Sight on Site
There are 4 crucial ways to avoid eye accidents at work:
- Learn the eye hazards related to your job.
- Lessen the possibility of danger before you commence work by using machine shields, screens or other safety devices.
- Wear safety goggles that fit properly and give enough coverage for your tasks. Your optometrist will be able to assist in determining the best protective eyewear for your circumstances.
- Make sure to keep your safety eyewear in great condition, and have it replaced if even just slightly damaged.
Eye Safety with Screens
Working with computers or using mobile devices can also be dangerous for your vision.
Here are a few tips to avoid eye strain and visual discomfort when working on a computer or using a hand held device:
Learn the 20-20-20 rule which will help your eyes rest. At every 20 minute interval take a 20 second break and have a look at something 20 feet away. If you're using a mobile device, increase the font size so you'll be able to use it at a distance more comfortable for your eyes.
In addition keep the brightness of your screen to a comfortable resolution and position your screen just below eye level to present less of a strain on your eyes. You may also want to speak to your eye doctor about computer glasses.
If you think that you may be in danger of any eye or vision damage due to your work environment don't delay! Give us a call to discuss the hazards and solutions for a lifetime of eye and vision health!
