By Jodi Groh, Nanofilm and Jerry F. Daniels, North Georgia Safety Training Institute, LLC

At the work place and at home, when doing jobs around the house, personal eye protective equipment is essential. You know, and many have witnessed firsthand, that workers will avoid using protective equipment when it’s not mandated or when they feel they can escape the risks. At home, mowing the lawn can create the same kinds of hazards. We know, it’s the invincible feeling we all get at times, but unfortunately results in the often-heard comment of, “I didn’t think this could happen”.

Reasons, or excuses, cited as to why protective eyewear, from safety goggles to face shields are not worn, are fixable. And, it’s fairly easy. While some eye injuries can be treated, everyone is not so lucky. We only have 1 set of eyes and count on our vision in so many ways. Why run the risk professionally? Let alone personally.

The Size of the Problem
Each day in the U.S. alone, 2000 workplace eye injuries occur at a cost of $300 million in lost production time, medical expenses and workers comp (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention/NIOSH). Yet the Bureau of Labor statistics estimates the loss to be close to $4 billion when taking into account wages and productivity.

When looking at all worker comp claims, eye injuries account for roughly 5%, which is considerably high when looking at all types of injuries that can occur. Yet its estimated that the rate of eye injury and lost work time can be reduced by at least 50% when protective eyewear is worn. Now that’s a rather simple solution to the problem.

Companies such as contractors, construction, lighting and HVAC – with bad safety records often don’t get hired as hiring firms check their safety rating. These companies are faced with higher Insurance costs, and when coupled with loss of jobs, drives their prices up or out of business.

Industries Most Affected
This is the number of reported injuries. This significantly under estimates the actual numbers of days lost.

What Is the Employers Responsibility?
OSHA holds employers responsible for safety eyewear and compliance. The following lists the Standards specific to Personal Protective Equipment related to the eyes. Click on the link to see more.
• 1910.132(a) Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes...shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards
• 1910.132(d)(2) The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification See
• 1910.132(f)(1) The employer shall provide training to each employee
Visit OSHA's site.