TAKE CARE OF YOUR TRADIES’ EYES

22 Jun TAKE CARE OF YOUR TRADIES’ EYES

A tradie’s working environment – whether it be in mining, manufacturing, construction, electrical, plumbing, or automotive repairs – may also be the place where they are most at risk of eye damage or vision loss.

 

Grinding and welding are the two most common tasks being undertaken when eye injury occurs in the workplace, according to a report by Safe Work Australia; while nearly half of all doctor’s visits for eye injuries are due to foreign material in the eye.

 

Other common causes of trauma to the eye include:

 

• Ultraviolet or infrared radiation exposure;
• Being hit in the eye;
• Scratches on the lens or cornea;
• Splashes from chemicals or hazardous liquids.

 

How To Treat Eye Injuries

 

First of all, be aware that any partial or complete loss of sight is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

According to Aphrodite Livanes, a Brisbane optometrist with over 30 years’ experience, other eye injuries may be treated by:

• Keeping the person’s head as still as possible, and advising them not to rub their eyes.
• Seeking advice from an optometrist or doctor.

For scratches or foreign objects in the eye, it can be tempting to wash the eyes or attempt to remove particles yourself; however this is not recommended. 

If the eye is red, irritated, and watering, cover it gently with a sterile pad if possible, making sure not to put direct pressure on the eye.

Chemical burns or welding flash may be treated by flushing the eye under cold running water for at least 20 minutes, making sure to wash under the eyelids.

How to Protect Your Tradies’ Eyes

 

Personal eye protection is a good way to significantly reduce the risk of eye injury or trauma.   

• Safety glasses are stronger than standard spectacles and have thicker lenses. They’re usually made from plastic or polycarbonate, and some have side shields that offer additional protection. You can even buy safety glasses that include corrective lenses.
• Safety goggles provide greater protection than safety glasses since they fully cover the eye area, impeding hazards coming from any direction. Like safety glasses, they can be fitted with prescription lenses.
• Face shields and helmets – These provide the highest level of protection, and can be worn in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles.

 

Tailored Eye Protection

Different types of tradies need different types of protection.

Welders should wear safety goggles and a welding helmet with full face screen coverage to avoid sparks and limit the risk of welding flash.

Landscapers and other tradies who work outdoors need eye protection that guards against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. They’re at risk of developing Pterygium or ‘surfer’s eye’ – a pink, fleshy growth on the white of the eyeball – that develops from long term exposure to sun, wind, dust, or sand. The Australian Tax Office offers tax deductions for sun protection for outdoor tradies. which means that sunglasses may be tax deductible.

Prevention is better than Cure

While eye injuries can occur within seconds and lead to permanent vision loss, the good news is that up to 90% of eye injuries are preventable.