As a construction worker, you likely understand the need to wear protective gear to shield your eyes and face from hazards like sparks, flames and flying debris. Still, sometimes even your safety gear might not be enough to protect your eyes from serious injury.
Eye injuries that damage or take away your sight can make it impossible for you to go back to work. You may also suffer a diminished quality of life. Some eye injuries are not your fault. Still, as Safety+Health Magazine explains, there are ways to recognize when you have a higher potential for eye injury.
Taking on different duties
One of the benefits of doing similar tasks day by day is that you know what hazards to expect. You have likely received training or instruction for your job. In the event you have to balance more than one task, your employer should instruct you on safety measures for those tasks as well.
Still, your employer may need you to take on a different job less frequently. You may also have to fill in for an absent worker. As a result, you could increase your injury risk because a job presents different hazards than you are familiar with. Before you take on an unfamiliar job, think about whether your safety gear is appropriate and if you should put on different gear.
Eyewear that does not fit
It is easy to grab face protection without thinking about whether it truly fits. Leaving even small gaps around your face and eyes can pose a problem. A piece of metal may fly through a gap and impale your eye. You could also expose your face to chemicals or fluids that can blind you. Take some time first to see if your gear conforms to your face. Checking gear for cracks or damage may also be of benefit.
Taking gear off too soon
Eye protection is not always comfortable, but resisting the urge to take it off too soon may save you from injury. When you should remove your protection depends on whether dangers persist in the immediate environment. You may need to keep the gear on while you are conducting your task. However, given the dangerous nature of many construction workplaces, you will probably have to wear safety gear until you reach a designated safe area.
