ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day more than 2,000 U.S. workers receive some form of medical treatment because of eye injuries sustained at work.
Of those injured employees, 34 percent of the injuries were due to scrap, waste and debris.
Within the last three months, injuries to five Anniston Army Depot employees have been reported using the new Safety Reporting Button, located on the Intranet.
"All employees who enter eye hazard areas or perform eye hazard tasks are required to wear safety eyewear," said Alicia Hodge of the depot's Safety Office.
Eye hazard tasks are defined as any process exposing employees to a reasonable possibility of eye injury from dust, shavings, other flying particles, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, molten metal, hazardous glare or radiation.
For employees who need prescription eyewear, prescription safety glasses will be provided (see accompanying article below). Additionally, the Safety Equipment Center can issue "plano" or "visitor" eyewear, which may be worn over prescription glasses.
All safety glasses have side shields. These may be built in to the design of the glasses or removable. The side shields must be used at all times when an employee is in an area requiring eye protection.
As the risk of debris or other substances in the air increases, so should the level of eye protection.
For tasks involving chemicals or fine particles, splash goggles, not safety glasses, should be used.
When grinding or welding processes are performed, a face shield should be used in conjunction with eye protection, shielding the face from chemicals, particles or other material.
Please follow the following tips from the CDC to protect your eyes from injury:
1. Wear the proper eye and face protection.
• Select the appropriate eye protection for the hazard.
• Make sure the eye protection is in good condition.
• Make sure the eye protection fits properly and will stay in place.
2. Use good work practices.
• Caution -- brush, shake or vacuum dust and debris from hard hats, hair, forehead or the top of eye protection before removing the protection.
• Do not rub eyes with dirty hands or clothing.
• Clean eyewear regularly.
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