Most people rely heavily on their vision to carry out their work, to navigate their workplace and home, and to carry out various errands and hobbies. However, the eyes are delicate organs, and even minor damage to them can easily reduce or even destroy the ability to see clearly.
Every day, about 2,000 people suffer some kind of eye injury at work in the United States, according to Oregon State University researchers. These injuries may be caused by chemical exposure, flying objects, tools, particles in the air, or events like being struck by an object or person.
Many workplace eye injuries result from the negligence of a third party, like a manufacturer whose product contains a hidden defect. As a result, experienced Texas product liability lawyers pay attention to news reports about potentially defective products and the harm they can cause.
There are many ways to protect yourself and your coworkers from eye injuries on the job. March is Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month. Observe this month by identifying ways to reduce risks and protect your eyes on the job, like:
- Know what protective eyewear is appropriate for each task. Wear it every time, even if you are just “passing through” a worksite.
- If you’re in an area where flying particles or dust are common, choose eyewear with protective side shields to protect your eyes from flying objects that may enter from the sides.
- Use safety goggles or face shields while working with chemicals, so that accidental splashes do not injure your eyes. Check the eyewash station regularly to ensure it works.
- Use special-purpose safety goggles designed specifically for tasks involving hazardous radiation, like welding, lasers, or fiber optics.
If you or a family member has suffered an eye injury on the job, you should file for workers’ compensation as soon as possible. If a third party is responsible for the injury accident, you may also file a personal injury claim in order to recover additional financial compensation. Contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP to learn more about your legal rights and options.
