Tool Box Talks – EYE INJURY PREVENTION

PPE Safety: Toolbox Talks on Eye Protection

Everyday thousands of eye injuries occur in the workplace resulting in medical, lost production costs. Most eye injuries occur because the worker was not wearing any safety gear for eye protection at the time of the accident. The goal of eye safety is to protect your most valuable sense – your eyesight. Only you can protect your eyesight by wearing the appropriate PPE for the hazards you encounter both on and off the job.

Why Eye Safety Matters

Reason: Eye injuries are resulting in medical, lost production costs and loss of sight.

Why: Eye injuries can be prevented only if proper eye protection had been worn.

Example: Even a tiny metal fragment from grinding can cause corneal damage requiring surgery, while a single splash of acid can permanently impair vision.

Common causes of eye injury

Eye injuries can happen in seconds. The most common workplace causes include:

Flying and falling objects from cutting, grinding, or drilling operations.
Hazardous liquid splashes during chemical handling or cleaning.
Swinging tools or materials that can strike the eyes.
Glare from bright lights, especially in welding or outdoor work.
Heat and sparks from welding, cutting, or furnace work.
Radiation from UV, infrared, or laser sources.

Potential hazards to the eyes

Working with abrasive materials or high-speed machines – grinder, cut-off wheel
Using a hammer and chisels with mushroom heads.
The use of compressed air and any gas with high pressure
When welding ultraviolet lights is given off this can damage your eyes
Wearing unclean, chemical contaminated eye protections

How can prevent eye injuries

Select the right eye protection for the task, such as safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or welding helmets
Ensure eye protection fits properly, is comfortable, clean, and free from scratches
Always wear the required eye protection in designated work areas
Follow safe work procedures and never bypass PPE requirements

Remember to:

You have a legal obligation to use the eye protection provided in accordance with the regulations.
Ensure eye protection fits you and fits the job
Don’t go to areas where eye protection is required, unless you are wearing an eye protection
If you got something in your eyes get help from a trained first aider as soon as possible.
Ensure damaged, lost or unserviceable eye protection equipment is replaced right away.

Conclusion

Eye injuries are among the most preventable workplace incidents — yet they continue to happen because of complacency or a false sense of security. The truth is it only takes one split second for an unprotected eye to suffer irreversible damage. You only get one pair of eyes. Wear PPE, protect them today, so you can see tomorrow.