To educate companies and their workers about the necessity of vision wellness, and to spread safety tips on how to avoid vision-threatening eye incidents, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has designated the month of March as Workplace Vision Wellness Month.
Each day, workers sustain job related eye injuries that require medical attention. Workplace safety experts and doctors believe the two main reasons that people get eye injuries is because they fail to protect their eyes or they are using the incorrect form of eye protection.
High risk occupations for eye injuries include building, factory work, mining, carpentry, auto repair, electrical work, plumbing, metal welding and maintenance.
Safe Sight on Site
There are 4 important tips to protect your eyes from injury:
- Know the eye hazards present in your job.
- Lessen your exposure to risks before you commence work by asking for machine shields, screens or other safety devices.
- Wear safety goggles that sit well and give enough coverage for what you are doing. Your eye doctor will be able to assist to determine the best safety eyewear for your profession.
- Keep your protective eyewear in good condition, and have it replaced if damaged.
Eye Safety with Screens
Working with computers or using mobile devices like phones or readers can also be harmful for your eyes.
Below are a few helpful ways to prevent eye strain and visual discomfort when using hand held devices or working on a computer:
Learn the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a rest. At every 20 minute interval look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If you're using a hand-held device, increase the font size so you can use it at a distance more comfortable for your eyes.
Additionally try to adjust the brightness of your screen to a resolution that is not too bright or too dim and position your monitor right under eye level to pose less of a strain on your eyes. You may also want to consider the option of computer glasses.
For more information concerning protecting your vision at work, please contact us today!
