Each year more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision. Ninety percent (90%) of all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear. Once you have lost an eye or your ability to see, it’s too late. Protecting your eyes is the easiest thing to do, if you care about your eyes.
 
Types of Eye Injuries
• Small flying objects such as dust or other microscopic objects.
• Particles resulting from chipping, grinding, sawing, brushing, hammering or using power tools (including nail guns). (These items move with the speed of a bullet and can permanently damage your eyes.)
• Liquids such as chemicals from a spray nozzle, splashing during mixing or the wind carrying a sprayed chemical back towards you.
• Light rays such as those generated by welding operations.
• Branches or vines that could scratch or hit the eyes.
 
Methods of Protection:
 
Safety Glasses
Eyeglasses with safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and impact-resistant lenses.
 
Goggles
Tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes and facial area around the eyes.
 
Welding Shields
Shields that protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light; also protect the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal splatter, and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, or soldering.
 
Face Shields
Shields that protect against nuisance dusts and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids.
 
Last year alone we had several eye injuries within our own company. Most of these injuries occurred from contact with brush or branches. Since many of us work in environments with dense brush and trees, and pressurized chemicals, it is imperative that we all use proper eye protection to avoid unnecessary accidents.