Safety News

A leading optometry organisation has launched a national campaign promoting eye safety in the workplace.

Eye Accidents Change Lives Forever is a safety campaign by Optometrists Association Australia and HOYA Lens Australia urging workplaces to implement eye-safety procedures to protect employees.

Optometrists Association Australia Professional Services Manager Shirley Loh said 60 per cent of all eye injuries occurred at work.

"Workers often sustain eye injuries when walking by or helping others perform tasks without wearing any, or the appropriate eye protection," Ms Loh said.

"It’s important that employers and employees work together to ensure eye safety procedures are in place and followed to prevent accidents.

"Optometrists can provide professional advice and guidance to help ensure workplaces are aware of their responsibilities in eye safety."

Optometrists Association Australia will assist optometrists to conduct workplace vision screenings across Australia, with the overall aim of reducing the number of eye injuries.

"Our members are preparing to go into workplaces to conduct vision screenings with employees. The process will involve identifying and analysing visual hazards and determining ways to improve eye comfort in specific work settings,” Ms Loh said. “Most eye injuries can be prevented with simple precautions and by ensuring employees have appropriate eye protection, such as prescription or non-prescription safety eyewear."

A 2008 study found most workplace eye injuries occurred in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, often during grinding and welding related tasks.