100,000 people suffer permanent, debilitating eye injuries every year. At work, employee are particularly susceptible to eye injuries however proper safety can lower your chances of injury. A comprehensive safety training should be implemented at every workplace. Here are a few things to Never do to protect your eyes.
Never rub your eyes when dust, pollen or a particle gets inside. Rubbing your eyes can lodge the material in the eyeball or scratch the eyeball. Take a handkerchief to loosen and remove the particle.
Never remove an article that has been embedded. Put a paper cup over the eye and then bandage both eyes. See a medical professional immediately.
Never stare at the computer screen for more than a hour without refocusing. Refocusing your eyes every hour or less will help prevent strain.
Never wait if you get chemicals splashed in your eyes. Every second is crucial when you have been splashed with chemicals. Go immediately to the nearest faucet or preferably an eye wash station and rinse your eyes for 20 minutes. Call a medical professional immediately.
Never use a welding torch, laser or sun lamps without specialized eye gear. The eye can be permanently damaged within minutes. If you think you have been injured in this situation, medical help should be summoned immediately.
Never work in a situation with a flying debris or chemicals without eye gear. Follow company policies for eye gear at all times. It can save you a lifetime of hardship.
Medical attention should be immediate with all eye injuries. Although this article provides tips for eye injuries it is no substitute for the proper training or the advice of a doctor. Don't be one of the 1 million people who suffer injuries to their eyes every year. Follow your company's training and guidelines.