The Importance Of Eye Health And Safety In The Construction Industry
At the same time, the increasing prevalence of vision disorders contributes to the growing demand for prescription eyewear, including safety glasses and goggles, to protect workers better. Below, we'll look at why eye health is important in the construction industry, discuss construction‑related eye injuries, and what companies can do to protect construction workers' eye safety:
The Importance Of Eye Health In Construction
Caring for your general health is essential, but with so many factors to consider, it can be easy to overlook our eye health. Insights from the Industry Vision Group indicate that eye health in the UK continue to require strategies for prevention and treatment. Today, over two million people in the UK live with an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. Regarding work, exclusion from the workplace due to eye‑related concerns costs the UK £7.4 billion every year.
Most eye injuries happen when they are hit by or exposed to flying particles of dust, wood chips, or metal — all of which are common in a construction site. Aside from preventing eye injuries, however, appropriate eye protection also helps construction workers see more clearly. This allows them to accomplish tasks more accurately and efficiently and can help prevent other medical concerns related to the eyes, like dizziness, headaches, and migraines.
Construction‑Related Eye Injuries
As discussed above, construction workers are often exposed to harmful substances that can injure or damage the eye. Other potential risks and hazards in construction and building sites include exposure to liquid chemicals, chemical gases, acids, molten metal, dust, and hazardous vapours.
Unfortunately, accidents and injuries involving those risks occur more than you may think. Data from the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) on workplace injuries highlight that there were 69,208 company‑reported non‑fatal workplace injuries to employees in Great Britain. Similarly, the Labour Force Survey reports another 581,000 self‑reported injuries in the workplace.
Interestingly, of 5,910 reported head injuries, only 814 were related specifically to the eye, amounting to 1% of all injuries. Still, despite the low amount of incidents, companies mustn't overlook eye health and safety for on‑site and off‑site construction workers. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to invest in appropriate eye care for construction workers.
Protecting Construction Workers' Eye Safety
One of the best ways to protect the eye health of your construction workers is by investing in safety eyewear. Construction workers should be wearing appropriate protective equipment when working on‑ and off‑site. This includes safety goggles that help keep hazardous materials out of their eyes and other crucial parts of the body.
It's important to note, however, that some workers may require prescription glasses for vision correction and added clarity. Above, we highlighted the importance of vision clarity in construction, allowing workers to work with more efficiency and accuracy. As such, it can help to consider personal protective equipment (PPE) that accommodates eyewear and won't get in the way of workers' glasses.
Finally, companies should also invest in appropriate health and safety training to help spread awareness on workplace‑related health and safety risks. This includes, of course, promoting appropriate protective equipment to reduce occupational risk. By creating a safety culture, construction companies can ensure workers stay safe and have their eyes protected at all times.
