Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. More than 2,000 people injure their eyes at work each day. About 1 in 10 injuries require one or more missed workdays to recover from. Of the total amount of work-related injuries, 10-20 % will cause temporary or permanent vision loss.

Here’s a quick checklist to help avoid workplace eye injuries:

Workplace Eye Safety Checklist:

Create a safe work environment.

•  Minimize hazards from falling or unstable objects.
•  Make sure that tools work and that safety features are in place.
•  Make sure people know how to use tools properly.
•  Keep bystanders out of hazardous areas.
• Evaluate safety hazards.
•  Identify the primary hazards at the site.
•  Identify hazards from nearby workers, large machinery, and falling/shifting objects.
• Wear the proper eye and face protection.
•  Select the right eye protection for the work site.
•  Make sure safety eyewear is in good condition.
•  Make sure safety eyewear fits right and stays in place.
• Use smart workplace safety practices.
•  Always brush, shake, or vacuum dust and debris from hardhats, hair, forehead, or your brow before removing protective eyewear.
•  Don’t rub eyes with dirty hands or clothing.
•  Clean eyewear regularly.

Most workplace injuries occur where safety eyewear isn’t required, or left up to the individual to decide if they’ll wear it. Many of those injured on the job didn’t think they needed to wear protective gear, or were wearing eyewear that didn’t provide adequate protection. Most work place injuries occur where safety eyewear isn’t required, or left up to the individual to decide on wearing. Many of those injured on the job did not think they needed to wear protective gear, or were wearing the wrong type of eyewear that did not offer adequate protection.