We Will Do The Worrying — And The Fighting — For You

Photo of Minneapolis skyline over Stonearch bridge

Tips for avoiding a workplace eye injury

On Behalf of | Aug 10, 2022 | Injuries |

If you’re not careful, there are many ways that you could damage your vision while performing tasks for your Minnesota employer. For instance, staring at the sun while working outside might result in temporary blindness or other problems that could jeopardize your ability to remain employed. You might also risk harming your eyes by failing to wear goggles or other protective equipment while handling chemicals.

Proper liquid handling techniques can keep you safe

Understanding how to handle chemicals, hot water or other hazardous liquids can minimize your risk of getting them in your eyes. Ideally, containers will be sealed tight to prevent anything from splashing out of them and into your eyes. If you can’t seal a container, be sure to walk slowly and carefully to keep sloshing to a minimum. It’s also important to ensure that any surface that you’re walking on is dry and free of debris. This may prevent a slip, trip or fall that could result in getting liquids in your eyes and elsewhere on your body.

Don’t forget to keep your hands clean

When you wipe your eyes, debris that is on your hands could interact with your eyeball, cornea or retina. Therefore, you should make sure to wash your hands or take off gloves before doing so. If debris is already in your eye, seek medical treatment right away and refrain from trying to remove it yourself. Attempting to remove debris on your own may result in pushing it further into your eye or causing other forms of additional damage. It’s important to note that you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if you did something to cause a scratched cornea or other type of workplace eye injury.

If you’re hurt at work, report the injury to your employer as quickly as possible. You should also seek treatment as quickly as possible to reduce your risk of permanent damage and to start a workers’ compensation claim paper trail.

Archives