Protecting Your Vision: Common Eye Injuries on the Job and How to Prevent Them

Eye injuries are more common in the workplace than many people realize—and they can have lasting consequences. Whether you're on a construction site, in a manufacturing plant, or handling cleaning chemicals, understanding the risks is the first step to protecting your vision.

Top Causes of Workplace Eye Injuries

• Flying Particles: Dust, wood chips, metal shavings, glass fragments—any of these can get into the eye and cause corneal abrasions or even more serious injuries like eye perforations.

• Blunt Trauma: Tools, machinery, or falling objects can strike the eye, leading to bruises, lacerations, or retinal damage.

• Chemical Exposure: Workers in construction, janitorial services, and manufacturing often encounter hazardous chemicals that can splash or emit fumes harmful to the eyes.

• UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection can result in photokeratitis, a painful “sunburn” of the eyes, especially for outdoor workers.

• Intense Light: Welders and laser operators face high risks from bright, concentrated light sources that can cause eye burns or permanent vision loss.

  
  

The Real Impact of Eye Injuries

An eye injury doesn’t just affect your health—it can take you off the job for days, weeks, or even permanently. Some cases require extensive treatment, including surgery and long-term rehabilitation. In the most severe situations, it can result in permanent vision impairment or blindness.

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

Workplace eye injuries are largely preventable. Here are some key safety measures every worker and employer should follow:

• Wear the Right PPE: Safety glasses, face shields, and goggles should be job-specific and worn consistently.

• Get Trained: Know the hazards of your work environment and how to respond to potential eye injuries.

• Keep Equipment Maintained: Regularly inspect and maintain machinery and safety gear to reduce risk.

• Follow Safety Protocols: Enforce and follow strict safety procedures on the job site.

  
  

Your Eyes Matter—Protect Them

Preventing eye injuries is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, using the correct protective gear, and fostering a culture of safety, we can significantly reduce the risk of vision-related accidents. If an injury does happen, act fast—early treatment can make all the difference.

At Stand-By Personnel, your safety is our priority. Let's work together to protect one of your most valuable assets: your vision.