Here's how workplace eye injuries might cost you...

Did you know that workplace eye injuries can cost employers $300 million or more per year in medical costs, worker's comp, and lost productivity? According to OSHA, the injuries that cause 90% of these costs could be prevented with high-quality on-the-job eye protection. 

So why is it that eye injuries remain one of the most common workplace injuries out there? 

 

Your eyes and the job site

Our eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of our bodies. When we're on the job site, flying projectiles -- you know, dust, debris, sparks, Steve's hammer that got chucked at the intern -- pose the largest risk to our vision and eye safety. As many as 70% of workplace eye injuries come from falling or flying objects that come in contact with the eye, eyelids, optical bone, or other portions of the eyes and face that affect vision. 

Some of the most common workplace threats to eye safety include:

• Mechanical irritants 
• Metal shards
• Dust
• Wood shavings or slivers (including sawdust)
• Sparks, fire, or extreme heat
• Falling or flying objects
• Debris getting stuck between a contact lens and the surface of the eye
• Lacerations and impact injuries from blades, snapped wires, or other dangers

Amazingly, many of these potential threats and injuries can be prevented with proper PPE (personal protective equipment) like safety glasses, side shields, and face shields.

You'd be shocked how many workers skimp on safety in the name of looking good or feeling comfortable. At Bomber Eyewear, you get style and comfort WITH kick-butt ANSI Z87+ safety ratings! (But more on that in a minute...)

 

What happens if someone gets an eye injury on the job?

Eye injuries are shockingly expensive. The immediate dangers of an eye injury tend to focus on vision. How badly someone is hurt may determine whether or not they'll lose vision in that eye or deal with permanent changes to the way they see. 

Other risks of eye injuries include:

• Infectious diseases 
• Bacterial infections
• Degenerative eye diseases 
• Total or partial blindness 
• A higher risk of developing cataracts 
• Eye loss, if damage is too severe to save the eye

Depending on a workplace's insurance and worker's comp policies, the costs of care after an eye injury can be exponential for everyone involved. That's why it's important to stay up to date on all your insurance offerings, whether that's medical insurance from an employer (or your state's marketplace if you're self-employed) and all regular medical appointments.

Plus, regular eye exams will help doctors stay on top of potential risks (like eye disease, cataracts, and more) that come from eye injuries. 

 

So how do we avoid workplace eye injuries in the first place?

This might seem like an obvious answer coming from a company that lives and breathes safety glasses, but safety glasses truly are the best way to prevent workplace eye injuries. 

The term "safety glasses" doesn't have to mean chunky, cheap plastic that looks dumb and feels like you've got a spider-monkey hanging from your nose. (We've been there; we get it.) Companies like Bomber Eyewear offer the best safety glasses with not just your safety in mind, but your comfort and your personal style. We want you to wear our gear all day long, no matter how tough the job or how hard you work. 

When you're shopping for safety glasses, look for features like:

• ANSI Z87+ safety ratings. This industry-standard rating includes measurements for shatterproof lenses, impact resistance, and more. 
• Removable side shields. Side shields protect your eyes from debris, wind, and heat, and many of the frames at Bomber Eyewear offer removable versions so that you can stay protected on the job site and look good everywhere else. 
• Full coverage lenses. Wide or full-frame lenses with wraparound frames offer the most protection for your eyes. Some frame styles, like Bomber's MAGNUM frames, are roomy enough to fit over your regular prescription glasses! 
• Prescription safety glasses. Speaking of prescriptions, if you skip chunky safety glasses because they don't fit over your glasses, it's time for an upgrade. Check out BomberRx for prescription versions of some of our most popular frame and lens styles. 

All in all, our hope is that you invest in your personal safety, no matter where your work may take you. At Bomber Eyewear, we believe in providing the very best for our community. And that means heading out to the job site with you, so you can work in confidence, knowing we've got you covered (and your eyes, too!) every step of the way.