Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Admin
Construction sites are full of hazards that can put your health and safety in jeopardy without the right protection. Your eyes are especially vulnerable, and any health issues or injuries that afflict them can affect your work and livelihood. Workplace eye injuries cost an estimated $300 million annually, and they’re alarmingly common, with 20,000 incidents occurring per year. Aside from injuries, eye conditions can be developed or exacerbated due to the environmental conditions of the construction site. Caring for the eyes is a must in construction safety. Managing eye health and taking protective measures can protect you from injuries and prevent eye issues, reduce costs, boost productivity, and more. Here’s what construction workers can do to stay on top of their eye health:
Adequate environmental conditions
Poor lighting can obstruct your vision and affect your construction work and eye health. Darker or low-light environments can cause eye strain, which can lead to discomfort, blurriness, and headaches—hampering work performance. It can also be more difficult to identify and prevent hazards or harmful situations that can affect eye health and overall well-being. Other problems like glare, which can bounce off surfaces like metal, can also affect visibility and cause eye issues. Proper lighting can provide more comfortable working conditions so you can react to situations with heightened awareness and prevent eye strain. You can also wear anti-glare eyewear to block harsh reflections. This keeps vision clear and improves color and contrast for visual comfort and enhanced performance.
Regular eye exams
Construction work can expose workers to various hazards, which can impact eye health. In some instances, symptoms may go unnoticed until the issue has worsened, making treatment harder and affecting work performance. Construction workers should get an eye exam regularly to track any vision changes and detect any damage or symptoms of eye conditions. This allows you to have your vision professionally assessed so you can understand your vision health and get the necessary treatments to keep your eyes healthier for longer. If you need vision correction, your eye doctor can detect any changes and update your prescription. Your eyes may be impacted by work conditions such as high UV exposure, dust, dryness, and more. You can get tailored care and advice on mitigating the negative impacts. If you’re at risk for eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and more, regular eye exams can track changes and symptoms so a professional can spot anomalies earlier and provide the right treatment. You can search for “eye exams near me” to find an accessible location in your area where you can visit easily.
Proper PPE
When working at a construction site, you’re at risk of injuring your eyes due to sharp flying projectiles, particles from wood, dust, or metal, chemical splashes, and more. As such, safety eyewear is a crucial piece of gear you must always wear on site. Safety glasses can protect against projectiles and offer good comfort and breathability. However, small particles and splashes may still enter the eyes due to the gap between the frame and the face. Safety goggles are a significant improvement in protection as they provide a seal that prevents contaminants from affecting the eyes. Recent advancements have also made them more comfortable to wear, allowing construction workers to adjust the fit and customize them for increased comfort while still being protective. The PPE you use may depend on the type of work you do and the environment of the construction site.
Related Posts:
- Why Wear Prescription Safety Glasses on Construction Sites
- Starting a New Business – What are the Main Aspects of Success?
- Why Construction Safety is Important: Essential Insights
- How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview
