|
|
Occupational Health & Safety
Statistics show that 116,000 people in Australia
seek medical assistance for eye injuries every year.
Even though nearly all eye injuries in the workplace
are preventable, eye injuries cost Australia over AU$155 million
a year. Most these injuries are a result of workers not wearing
proper protective eyewear being too close to the activity or assisting
others performing potentially harmful tasks.
Not only is it a legal requirement for employers
to provide a safe working environment (particularly with industrial
and manufacturing activities) but preventing eye injuries can be
quite beneficial to employers in terms of decreased workers compensation
claims, decreased lost time injuries (LTIs) and increased productivity.
Safety eyewear optometrists recommend the following
practices for employers and employees:
- Identify potential eye hazards
- Eliminate, control and prevent potential hazards
- Wear correct eye protection
Statistics used on this page are sourced from
Monash University Accident Research Centre report 137 "Unintentional
eye injuries". Imberger, Altmann & Watson, May 1998
|
|
