Safety Bulletin: Eye Injuries
Over the past month, we have observed an increase in eye-related first aid incidents across various job sites. Although these injuries were minor, they are indicative of missed opportunities to prevent harm through the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These injuries could have been prevented with more diligent adherence to safety protocols, especially regarding eye protection. Below are a few of the incidents that have occurred:
- Wire Recoil Injury:
A team member was struck in the eye by a recoiling wire while performing wire-pulling operations. The worker was not wearing proper eye protection at the time of the incident. - Hammer Drilling Incident:
During overhead hammer drilling, a worker suffered an eye injury when a particle flew into their eye. The worker was not wearing a face shield, which is required for such tasks. - Strut Installation Injury:
A team member sustained an eye injury from metal debris while installing strut. This could have been avoided if safety glasses had been properly worn and supplemented with a face shield where necessary.
Required PPE:
- Safety Glasses:
- Mandatory at all times on all job sites, regardless of task type or duration.
- Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards to ensure proper protection.
- Ensure glasses are in good condition. Damaged, scratched, or poorly fitting eyewear must be replaced to maintain the highest level of protection.
- Face Shields:
Face shields are required when performing tasks that pose a significant risk of flying debris or particles, including:
- Overhead hammer drilling (to protect against falling particles)
- Cutting, grinding, or drilling into concrete or metal
- Striking or fastening strut or racking components where debris may be deflected
- Face shields must be worn over safety glasses and not as a replacement. The combination of both provides comprehensive eye and face protection.
Eye injuries are among the most preventable on job sites, yet they can result in serious, long-term consequences, including permanent vision loss. By consistently following PPE protocols, assessing each task for hazards, and using both safety glasses and face shields when required, we can protect our eyes and ensure a safer working environment for everyone. If you need additional PPE or have any questions regarding proper protection, please contact the safety team or your supervisor immediately.
Stay vigilant and continue prioritizing safety.