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The importance of eye protection in the workplace is often underestimated, but a minor accident can have major consequences. Think of a metal splinter that hits the eye while sharpening, or a chemical liquid that accidentally splashes into the face. In some cases, such incidents may result in permanent damage or even blindness. That's why it's important to take eye protection seriously. In this article, we discuss the risks of working without eye protection, the obligations that the Working Conditions Act imposes on employers, and how to ensure that employees can work safely.
Working without eye protection exposes employees to a range of risks. Depending on the type of work, these risks can lead to temporary or permanent vision damage. Here are some of the biggest dangers:
High temperatures, such as welding or forging, can damage the eyes. Eyes that are exposed to heat can dry out, and prolonged exposure can even cause corneal burns. This makes wearing protective eyewear with heat-resistant lenses crucial in such work environments.
Fire can cause burns not only to the skin, but also to the eyes. Welders and workers who work with open flames are particularly at risk of sparks or hot gases that can damage the eye. Welding goggles are specifically designed to reduce this risk.
Extreme cold, although less commonly mentioned, can also be harmful to the eyes. Exposure to low temperatures can cause eye tissue to freeze, which can cause serious damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation often occurs in welding work. Prolonged exposure without adequate eye protection can lead to conditions such as welding eyes, where the cornea burns.
In sectors such as the medical world, the nuclear industry and industrial radiography, ionizing radiation seriously damage the eyes. Prolonged exposure without protection may cause cataracts (cataracts).
Many workplaces use chemicals that can enter the eyes in liquid or gas form. Even a small amount of a corrosive substance can cause permanent damage.
Construction, metalworking or woodworking workers are at risk of flying particles such as splinters, sawdust or metal particles that can get into the eyes. This can result in lacerations in the eye or, in extreme cases, blindness.
Chemical fluids, such as cleaning agents or industrial solvents, can seriously irritate or damage the eyes. Safety glasses should always be worn in these cases.
In sectors such as healthcare and laboratories, biological hazards, such as viruses and bacteria, can enter the eyes. This makes eye protection important to prevent infections.
The Working Conditions Act (Working Conditions Act) requires employers to ensure the safety and health of their employees. This means that they are responsible for minimizing workplace risks, including providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection.
according article 3 of the Working Conditions Act employers must provide appropriate protective equipment when workers' health or safety is at risk. This also applies to work environments where eye injuries are a risk. The provision of appropriate safety glasses, adapted to the specific risks of the work, is mandatory in such cases.
Employers must also ensure:
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in fines and other legal consequences for the employer.
It is critical that eye protection equipment is used correctly and maintained properly to ensure their effectiveness. In particular, if the personal protective equipment (PPE) is custom-made, such as prescription safety glasses, it must be checked regularly. The lenses must still provide the correct correction and the glasses must guarantee the intended protection.
When customized personal protective equipment is no longer suitable, it no longer works effectively and no longer complies with legal obligations. Indeed, employers are obliged to provide appropriate protective equipment that meets the requirements of the Working Conditions Act.
Depending on the work environment, different types of eye protection are available. Below is an overview of the most used varieties:
These glasses offer protection against flying particles such as dust, metal or wood. They often have side covers to protect the eyes from all sides.
Welding goggles not only protect against heat, but are also equipped with UV filters to protect the eyes from harmful radiation.
The glasses protect your eyes and your own glasses. In addition, it closes the eyes so that no dust can get in.
Face shields provide complete face protection and are ideal for work environments where hazardous liquids or fumes are present.
To be effective, eye protection equipment must be used properly. Here are some tips:
Eye protection is only mandatory in workplaces where there is a risk of eye injury. The employer must have a RI&E perform to determine whether eye protection is necessary.
No, regular glasses do not provide sufficient protection. Workers who wear prescription glasses must use prescription goggles.
Eye protection should be replaced when it is damaged or worn, or when effectiveness can no longer be guaranteed.
Employers who do not adequately protect their employees risk fines from the SZW Inspectorate (Social Affairs and Employment) and can be held liable for injuries caused by negligence.
Eye protection is essential in many work environments and is often required by law. By providing the right eye protection equipment and training employees how to use them, employers can prevent serious eye injuries and meet the requirements of the Working Conditions Act. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in significant legal and financial consequences.
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With more than 20 years of experience, Seeh is your partner in eye and hearing protection. Together with Hans Anders, we easily help companies in the Netherlands and Belgium find customized eye and hearing protection. With our solutions, you ensure that your employees can always work safely and comfortably.
We understand that customized eye and hearing protection can be complex. In this short video, we explain how our simple ordering process works.
Article by
With more than 20 years of experience, Seeh is your partner in eye and hearing protection. Together with Hans Anders, we easily help companies in the Netherlands and Belgium find customized eye and hearing protection. With our solutions, you ensure that your employees can always work safely and comfortably.
