Eye injuries in the workplace and how safety glasses help

Eye injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries. Every year, thousands of cases of eye injuries are reported in the Netherlands, many of which could have been prevented by wearing safety glasses. The risk of eye injury is present in many sectors, such as construction, the chemical industry and production environments. In this article, we discuss the dangers of eye injuries and how safety glasses can help prevent them.

The dangers of eye injuries

Every day, workers are exposed to hazards such as flying particles, chemical splashes and sharp objects. According to the RIVM Every year, there are more than 200,000 work accidents in the Netherlands, some of which involve eye injuries. These injuries can range from temporary irritations to serious and permanent eye injuries, including blindness.

Without proper protection, these accidents can lead to high medical costs, loss of productivity and long-term absenteeism. In addition, companies are required according to the Working Conditions Act to provide a safe work environment, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses.

How do safety glasses help?

Safety glasses play a crucial role in protecting the eyes from workplace hazards. They offer protection against flying particles, dust, liquids and even harmful radiation. According to the Dutch Labour Inspectorate safety glasses can reduce the risk of eye injury by 85%.

Depending on the work environment, you can choose from different types of safety glasses, such as glasses with fixed side covers or prescription safety glasses. These glasses comply with the EN-ISO 16321-1:2022 and the AND 166 standards, which means that they meet the strict European requirements for protection and safety.

Examples of safety glasses

Transfer glasses

Transfer glasses are worn over your normal glasses and offer protection against environmental hazards. They are easy to use but can be uncomfortable when used for long periods of time due to the extra weight.

Prescription safety glasses

Prescription safety glasses are an excellent solution for eyeglass wearers. These glasses combine eye protection with vision correction and are tailored for optimal comfort. In addition, prescription safety glasses are often complete. reimbursed by the employer if these are necessary for safety at work.

Benefits of wearing safety glasses

There are several advantages to wearing safety glasses:

• safeguarding against flying particles, liquids and chemical splashes.
• Reduction of operating costs: Eye injuries often result in absenteeism and medical costs.
• Increased productivity: Employees are better able to concentrate on their work without worrying about possible injuries.

Conclusion

Eye injuries in the workplace can have serious consequences, not only for the employee, but also for the employer. Wearing safety glasses is a simple and effective way to reduce risks while increasing productivity. Whether you choose transfer glasses or prescription safety glasses, the most important thing is that your eyes are well protected.

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