Eye Safety in the Workplace

Whether You’re a Temp, Temp-to-Perm, or Full-Time Worker, These Eye Safety Tips are For You!

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and since KB Staffing recruits and employs many people in industrial, warehouse, and construction settings, as well as office environments, we thought it would be a good time for a quick refresher on eye safety. Not every job setting involves hazards to the eyes, but many do, so it’s good to be aware of such dangers and how to lessen the risk.

If you work in construction in Polk County, or other industries such as manufacturing, carpentry, maintenance, auto repair, or other similar occupations, you need to be aware of the presence of possible projectiles, airborne particles, and chemicals. These obvious hazards can cause serious eye injuries. Safety glasses, preferably with side shields, are probably required for your job. If you work with chemicals, goggles are used to prevent splashes into the eyes. OSHA requires that eye protection be provided in these types of hazardous situations.

Another potential danger is hazardous radiation, which is common for those in welding, or who work with lasers or fiber optics. You must use safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed specifically for that task. Hazardous radiation can include visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat, or infrared radiation.

Office workers need to be aware of Computer Vision Syndrome, or Digital Eye Strain. If you are spending hours at a time using a computer, tablet, or phone, you can experience eye strain, headache, blurred vision, and/or neck and shoulder pain. The American Optometric Association recommends a 20-20-20 approach to avoiding Digital Eye Strain. All you have to do is take a 20 second break every 20 minutes to view something 20 feet away. This will help prevent painful eye strain.

It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure a reasonably safe working environment, so take their requirements seriously when it comes to eye safety. If your safety eyewear is defective or becomes damaged, make sure it is replaced promptly.

KB Staffing is an expert staffing service providing a wealth of Polk County employment opportunities. We take safety seriously, because the Polk County workforce is a valuable asset that we take great pride in.  If you’re a business in need of talented temp workers, or if you’re interested in becoming a part of our team of temporary or temp-to-perm workforce, contact us or call 863-875-5721.

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