April 28: Day of Mourning – Let’s Protect Our Eyes at Work

April 28 is Canada’s National Day of Mourning. It’s a day to remember people who have died, been injured, or become sick because of work. It’s also a time to reflect on how we can make workplaces safer, and that includes protecting our eyes.

Every year, many workers suffer eye injuries on the job. Some lose their vision temporarily or permanently. But 90% of these injuries can be prevented. That’s why it’s so important to make eye safety a priority.

Here are some ways to help keep workers’ eyes safe.

1.    Help Workers See Clearly

Good vision helps prevent accidents. If workers can’t see properly, they’re more likely to get hurt.

Encourage your workers to get regular eye exams and have access to the right prescription safety eyewear if needed. Clear vision helps people work safety and with confidence.

2.    Make Sure Safety Glasses Fit Well

Most workers who suffer an eye injury weren’t wearing eye protection at the time. And many who were say their eyewear was uncomfortable or didn’t fit right. Improperly fitting safety eyewear can restrict vision (making workers more vulnerable to making mistakes) or reduce the effectiveness of the PPE.

Here’s how to ensure your workers have access to safety eyewear that fits, and protects:

• Offer prescription safety eyewear for workers who have a glasses prescription. This is safer and more comfortable than wearing safety eyewear over glasses, and less prone to eye discomfort than wearing contacts.
• Provide safety glasses with UV protection for outdoor work to ensure workers don’t have to choose between their eye health and comfort and their safety.
• Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Provide safety eyewear that fits each person.
• If possible, avoid ordering eyewear online or in bulk without a proper fitting.

When safety eyewear fits well, people are much more likely to wear them.

Eyesafe™ can be your partner in developing a prescription safety eyewear program that meets the individual needs and hazards of your workplace. Our optometrists and their staff are trained to measure and fit safety eyewear for comfort and safety. Email us at director@eyesafe.ca to learn more.

3.    Talk about Eye Safety Regularly

Many people don’t wear eye protection because they think it’s not needed. That’s why ongoing training and communication is so important.

Use Toolbox Talks, team meetings, posters, or hands-on demos to:

• Explain the risks and common causes of eye injuries.
• Show examples of good safety glasses.
• Remind workers when and why eye protection is needed.

Talking about safety often helps build habits and keeps it top of mind.

4.    Be Ready for Emergencies

Accidents can still happen, even with the best safety plans. Make sure your team knows what to do right away.

Your workplace should have:

• Eyewash stations that are easy to find and use
• Training on emergency response procedures for all potential eye injuries on your worksite – for example, in the event of a chemical splash:
  • Remove contact lenses if wearing
  • 20-30 minutes irrigation
  • Call optometrist for same-day urgent care appointment – they can refer to ophthalmologist if further treatment is needed

Quick action can prevent long-term damage.

5.    Know the Real Cost of Eye Injuries

Eye injuries cost Canadian workplaces around $30-$40 million each year in lost time and productivity. Even more important, 10-20% of these injuries lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

These injuries are preventable, and prevention starts with awareness, the right equipment, and a commitment to safety.

Let’s Make Eye Safety a Priority

On April 28, we remember those who were hurt or lost their lives at work. Let’s honour them by doing everything we can to keep our workplaces safe.

That includes making sure every worker has the right eye protection – and that it fits well and is comfortable to wear.

Protecting vision protects lives.

Encouraging proper safety eyewear is an important part of fostering a culture of safety in your workplace. Learn more about how Eyesafe™ can support you!