Working at a construction site ranks among the most dangerous occupations in the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each day, around 2,000 workers seek medical attention due to an eye injury. That underlines the significance of wearing protective eyewear on the job site to shield workers from existing eye hazards.
A workplace injury not only causes physical and emotional trauma but can result in extended time away from work and lost wages, leading to financial hardships and psychological effects as well.
In light of eye injury prevention month, we will discuss some of the most common ways eye injuries occur on construction sites, followed by how eye protection can help prevent them.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
The construction industry has the highest rate of eye injuries, forcing 10,600 workers to miss work each year. Construction zones have dozens of hazards that cause damage to the eye. Some of the most common threats include:
- Airborne dust particles and debris due to grinding, sanding, sawing, chipping, and heavy machinery movement
- Scraping and scratching by flying debris, including tiny pieces of metal, splinters, nails, and cut wire ends
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes, gasses, and welding arc, might also cause partial, sometimes permanent, blindness
Workplace Injury Prevention
While working in the construction industry has many inherent risks, proper eye protection on construction sites can protect workers from hazards that lead to these injuries. A severe eye injury can lead to permanent damage, inhibiting an individual’s ability to earn a living and disrupting their life. That renders it crucial that employers strictly enforce the use of effective eyewear at the workplace.
Personal protective eyewear, like tight-fitting safety glasses and goggles onsite, offers effective protection against dust and flying particles. Wearing face shields and safety eyewear can provide the highest impact protection from welding and grinding hazards.
If you work in the construction industry, your employer is responsible for providing safety equipment and ensuring it is properly used to help prevent serious injury. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek damages beyond what workers’ comp will provide.
Schedule Your Workplace Injury Consultation Today
If you or someone you know has suffered a workplace injury, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced workplace injury attorneys can help you determine the best course of action to seek the compensation you deserve.
Please call Shaw Cowart at 512-499-8900 to schedule a complimentary case review at our Austin or San Antonio office today.