Good vision is priceless!
Luckily, 90 percent of all workplace eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear. Despite the good news, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that eye injuries in the workplace cost over $467 million annually. Adding indirect costs such as legal fees, judgements, and training replacement workers. places the estimated total above $934 million each year. Nearly one million Americans have already lost some degree of sight due to an eye injury. With over 365,000 work-related eye injuries still occurring each year. Americans could use a few tips on how to prevent eye injuries in the workplace!

1. ACCESS!
Conduct a thorough analysis of plant operations. lnspect work areas, access routes and equipment. Examine eye accident and injury reports. Identify operations and areas that present eye hazards.

2. TEST!
Uncorrected vision problems contribute to accidents. Incorporate vision testing in your pre-placement and routine physical examinations of employees.

3. PROTECT!
Select protective eyewear designed for a specific operation or hazard. Protective eyewear must meet the current standards referenced by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and subsequent revisions.

4. PARTICIPATE!
For maximum protection throughout all operations. establish a 100 percent mandatory program that requires eye protection throughout alI operations areas of your plant. Experience shows this kind of program prevents more injuries and is easier to enforce than one limited to certain departments areas or jobs.

5. FIT!
Workers cannot be expected to use their protective eyewear unless it fits properly and comfortably. To ensure the eyewear is satisfactory, have it fitted by an eyecare professional or someone trained to do this. Provide the means for maintenance and require each worker to be responsible for his or her own eyewear.

6. 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.

7. EDUCATE!
Conduct ongoing educational programs to establish, maintain and reinforce the need for protective eyewear. Add eye safety to your regular employee education/training programs and include it as a large part of new employee orientation.

8. SUPPORT!
Top down Management support is a key ingredient in successful eye safety programs. All management personnel should set an example by wearing protective eyewear whenever and wherever required.

9. REVIEW!
Continually review, revise and update your accident prevention strategies. Aim for the elimination of all accidents and injuries.

10. PUT IT IN WRITING!
When all elements of your safety program have been established put them in writing. Display a copy of the policy in areas frequented by employees, and include a review of the policy in new employee orientation.

* Information for this article provided by Prevent Blindness America