Eye Safety

Surveys have shown that 90% of all eye injuries could have been prevented and that 94% of eye injuries occur from objects or chemicals going around or under the eye protection.

Steps you can take to minimise injuries to eyes include:

1. Know the eye safety dangers for the task and at your worksite.
2. Eliminate hazards before starting work by using machine guards, work screens or other engineering controls.
3. Use proper eye protection.
4. Keep your safety eyewear in good condition and have it replaced if it becomes damaged.

As a general rule, eye protection should be worn if you are working:

• in an area that has particles, flying objects or dust, or if you yourself are grinding, hammering or chiselling, you must at least wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields),
• with chemicals, you should wear goggles,
• near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fibre optic) you must use special purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets designed for that task.

A combination of more than one of these eye protection items may be necessary. Eye protection should always be appropriate for the task and fit the user properly.