Health and Safety

Protect your eyes when working

By Mike Klimenko Farm Bureau Group Manager

An injury to the eye is among the most devastating and irreversible injuries that can occur, especially if it results in permanent loss of sight. It is unfortunate, too, that in most instances, the injury could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken. Accident investigators report that most workers who've suffered an eye injury wore no eye protection and of those who did, most wore the wrong kind. Protective eyewear offers very little protection if it isn't cared for and worn properly. For best protection against eye injury, wear eye protection whenever it is warranted and require workers to do the same. Allow no exceptions.

Damaged or ill-fitting eyewear should be replaced. Select protective eyewear designed for a specific operation or hazard. Protective eyewear must meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. To prevent safety glasses or other eye protection equipment from fogging while you're working, wear a sweat band on your forehead or a cool rag in your hard hat, keep the lenses clean and unscratched, use an anti-fog solution on the lenses or buy/use safety glasses that have anti-fog coatings.

There are several common causes for eye injury and in all cases consult an eye care professional to make sure you're treated correctly for the injury.

* Foreign particles such as dust, dirt, wood chips, or even an eyelash can get into your eye and cause damage or painful eye irritation.

* Bumps and blows to the eyes can cause minor to severe eye injury.

* Cuts in or around the eyes (especially while pruning) can be serious and jeopardize vision.

* Chemicals, fumes or steam can cause severe damage to the eye.

* Light burns or sparks can cause injury that may not be felt until hours later.

To help prevent an eye injury from occurring, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the work to be done and the equipment that will be used. Inspect work areas and equipment and identify operations and areas that present eye hazards.

Don't be caught unprepared if an accident occurs. Plan for an emergency. Establish first-aid procedures for eye injuries. Make eyewash stations accessible, particularly where chemicals are used. Train employees in basic first aid and identify those with more advanced first-aid training. In an emergency, know whom to call, where to locate emergency phone numbers, and where to find first aid equipment. Take the time to educate employees about eye safety and then periodically review these safety steps. Conduct ongoing educational programs to establish, maintain and reinforce the need for protective eyewear. Continuously review and when necessary revise your accident prevention strategies.

Eye injuries can be prevented, but it is up to you to take the proper precautions.

Since 1943, Farm Bureau and State Fund have been business partners. When your policy comes up for renewal, if you are not insured with State Fund, please be sure to get a quote in our Farm Bureau Group Program.