Eye injuries are common among workers in America. These injuries can be caused by many types of hazards, from dust and debris to chemicals.
If you suffer an eye injury on the job, you should know that workers’ compensation should cover it. Workers’ compensation may cover your lost wages, the cost of your medical care as well as providing other benefits to you in the future.
How many people suffer eye injuries on the job?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that over 20,000 workplace injuries involving the eyes occur each year in the U.S. The injuries reported required one or more days to recover. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that these injuries cost around $300 million every year in total, including the cost of workers’ compensation, medical treatment and lost productivity.
Prevention is the key to avoiding the high cost of eye injuries. Fortunately, if you know what dangers to watch out for, you can help protect your sight.
What are common eye dangers?
Some common eye dangers in the workplace include:
- Tools
- Particles
- Flying objects
- Chemicals
To best protect your eyes, it’s a smart choice to use personal protective equipment such as goggles or other eye protection. Using machine guarding and work screens can also help prevent debris from causing eye injuries.
If an injury does happen on the job, make sure to seek care right away. Eye injuries can often be treated, but the sooner they’re seen to, the better the outcome. You can report the injury to your employer and file for workers’ compensation after you seek treatment.
