Workplace Eye Wellness Month: Prioritizing Eye Safety

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of eye safety in the workplace. This initiative, started by Prevent Blindness, encourages employers and employees to prioritize eye protection. Eye injuries at work are more common than you might think, but with the right strategies, many of these injuries are preventable.

Here are some key steps to ensure eye safety in your workplace.

1. Promote Eye Safety Awareness

Raise awareness about Workplace Eye Wellness Month through posters, safety bulletins, and educational materials. Organize events like demonstrations, workshops, or contests to engage employees. Encourage open discussions about eye safety concerns and best practices.

Toolbox Talks are another great opportunity to introduce conversations about eye safety and wellness to your employees. Toolbox Talks are short, informal meetings to discuss safety topics, including eye safety. These talks are an effective way to refresh knowledge, cover last-minute safety checks, and exchange information on workplace hazards and safe work practices. Consider making eye safety the topic of your toolbox talks this month. Bring along samples of safety eyewear to show employees the difference between well-maintained and damaged equipment. Reinforce the importance of wearing safety eyewear and encourage employees to share their experiences and concerns.

Looking for ideas for your next toolbox talk? Download an eye safety-focused Toolbox Talk, courtesy of Eyesafe™.

2. Conduct Routine Hazard Assessments

Regularly assess workplace hazards, including biological, chemical, and physical safety risks. Involve employees in the hazard assessment process and review past incident reports. Document these assessments and make them part of your overall safety program.

3. Select the Right Safety Eyewear

Based on your hazard assessments, choose appropriate safety eyewear for your employees that meets provincial safety standards. Consider factors like performance, comfort, and durability. Ensure eyewear is fitted properly by a professional and replace damaged or worn-out equipment.

4. Educate Employees

Provide comprehensive education on eye safety, including the proper use and care of safety eyewear. Use various platforms like onboarding sessions, team meetings, and regular training sessions to keep eye safety top of mind.

Eyesafe™ offers in-house information sessions. A member of our team will come to your sites and present the Eyesafe™ program and eye health and safety information to your employees or your safety program coordinators. If you are interested in booking an info session, email Maureen Wade, Eyesafe Program Representative at mysafety@eyesafe.ca.

5. Encourage Regular Eye Exams

Promote regular visits to optometrists for all employees. Eye exams can detect early signs of eye diseases and other health issues, contributing to overall employee health and safety.

As part of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, Eyesafe™ offers all our clients various eye health resources and presentations to help you promote eye health in your workplace. If you are interested in learning more, email Maureen Wade, Eyesafe Program Representative at mysafety@eyesafe.ca.

6. Implement Emergency Response Plans

Ensure your workplace has emergency response plans focused on eye safety. This includes having accessible eyewash stations, first aid kits with eye care supplies, and training employees on first aid procedures for eye injuries.

7. Foster a Culture of Safety

Management support is a key to a successful eye safety program. Leaders should model the use of safety eyewear and integrate eye safety messages into regular communications. Encourage a cultural where eye safety is a shared responsibility.

8. Audit and Update Safety Programs

Regularly review and update your eye safety program to keep up with changes in technology and legislation. Conduct worksite inspections to identify compliance issues and ensure continuous improvement.

Prioritize Eye Safety in Your Workplace

By making eye safety a priority during Workplace Eye Wellness Month, you can create a safer work environment and prevent unnecessary eye injuries. Let’s work together to protect our vision and promote a culture of safety year-round.

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!