FROM THE DESK OF RANDALL A. KROCKA

SMOHIT Administrator

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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

 

We often take our eyes for granted. While people are accustomed to eating healthy foods and doing the proper amount of exercise, many rarely consider their vision health. When it comes to our eyes, it is important to protect the eyesight we have been given. During Workplace Wellness Month, please keep in mind that workplace eye safety actions are easy to incorporate and invaluable to maintain long-term vision health.

    

Nearly 2,000 people injure their eyes while working every day. Of these, one third of the injuries are severe enough to be treated in the hospital emergency room. The majority of injuries that happen within the workplace are due to small particle abrasion in the eye or chemical splashing. Examples of this could be metal, wood, UV radiation burns, or cleaning products. However, our eyesight can be damaged without a tragic accident or spill. A recent survey found that computer work alone resulted in 14% of patients' reported eye problems.

 

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that almost three out of five workplace eye injuries are due to not wearing appropriate eye protection. Whether it is goggles, helmets, face shields, or safety glasses, wearing them will protect and in many cases save eyesight. When there is any type of eye hazard, proper eye protection should be worn at all times.