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Eye safety in the workplace: A guide for New Jersey workers

On Behalf of | Aug 2, 2022 | Blog, Workers' Compensation

According to a recent Centers For Disease Control and Prevention report, over 2000 Americans suffer from eye injuries each day while on the job. As an employee or employer in New Jersey, you can prevent up to 90% of work-related eye injuries by taking a proactive approach to creating a safer work environment for your employees and yourself.

Causes of eye injuries at a workplace

The eye is the most fragile and sensitive part of our body, and even a small particle can cause serious damage. Some of its greatest threats in the workplace include:

  • Flying objects such as metal shavings, wood chips, or glass shards
  • Chemical splashes from cleaning solutions or other substances
  • Dust particles generated from sanding or grinding activities
  • Exposure to bright light sources such as welding torches or lasers

Prevention is key

One of the best approaches to protecting your eyes is wearing a protective face shield or goggles when participating in activities that have the potential to cause eye injury. New Jersey Law requires that employers provide their employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the worker. This means that if you lack protective gear at your job, your employer is breaking the law and can be sued if anything happens to you or not.

Other protective measures include:

  • Securing loose materials that could become airborne
  • Substituting less harmful chemicals for those that are more corrosive
  • Providing adequate ventilation when working with fumes or dust
  • Maintaining a clean work environment

What to do when injured

If you suffer an eye injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should notify your employer as soon as possible so they can file a report of the incident. Then start the process of claiming your workers’ comp benefits. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was that the injury occurred – as long as it happened while you were performing your job duties, you should be eligible for benefits.

When it comes to workplace eye safety, prevention is everything. By taking some simple precautions, you can avoid serious injuries that could have a lasting impact on your health.