Eye injuries are surprisingly common in the workplace, and can often lead to long-term vision problems if not treated properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of eye injuries that occur in the workplace, and how you can prevent them from happening. We will also cover what to do if you experience an eye injury at work.

Common Eye Injuries:

Corneal Abrasions:

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your eye. This can happen if you accidentally poke yourself in the eye, or if something small and sharp (like a piece of dust) gets into your eye. Corneal abrasions are usually painful, and can cause redness, tearing, and light sensitivity.

What to do: 

If you have a corneal abrasion, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. They will likely prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to help prevent infection, and may also give you a patch to wear over your eye.

Foreign bodies in the eye: 

A foreign body in the eye is exactly what it sounds like – an object that gets into your eye that doesn’t belong there. This can happen if you are working with small objects, or if you are in an environment where there is a lot of dust or other particles floating around. Foreign bodies can cause redness, pain, and tearing.

What to do:   

If you think you may have a foreign body in your eye, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. They will be able to remove the object and check for any damage that may have been done.

Chemical burns:

Chemical burns can occur if you are working with harsh chemicals without proper eye protection. This type of injury can be extremely painful, and can cause redness, swelling, and blindness if not treated immediately.

What to do: 

If you have a chemical burn, it is important to flush your eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Then, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to properly treat the burn and help prevent any further damage.

Radiation exposure: 

Radiation exposure can occur if you are working with X-rays or other forms of radiation. This type of injury can cause long-term vision problems, and should be treated immediately by a medical professional.

What to do: 

If you have been exposed to radiation, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. They will be able to properly treat the exposure and help prevent any long-term damage.

Common symptoms of eye injuries:

• Pain
• Tearing
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further treatment.

Prevention:

• Wear sunglasses when working in sunny or glary conditions
• Use appropriate eye protection for the task you are performing, particularly when working with chemicals or power tools
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
• Follow all safety regulations and procedures.

What to do if you injure your eye at work:

If you do experience an eye injury at work, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If the injury is severe, go to the emergency room or call 000. For less severe injuries, you can visit an urgent care center or your primary care physician. Once you have seen a medical professional, follow their instructions for treatment and be sure to take any prescribed medications as directed. If your injury is minor, you may be able to treat it at home with over-the-counter medications and eye drops. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor if you are at all concerned about your injury.

Eye injuries can be serious, but by taking precautions and knowing what to do if you experience an injury, you can help prevent them. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can keep your eyes safe at work. 

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.