You're working in a manufacturing environment. How can you protect your eyes and stay safe?

1 Know the risks

Different manufacturing processes pose different risks to your eyes. For example, welding can expose your eyes to intense light and heat, grinding can create metal fragments that can pierce your cornea, and chemical handling can cause burns and irritation. You should always read and follow the safety instructions and labels for the materials and equipment you use, and be aware of the potential hazards in your work area.

4 Prevent eye injuries

Eye protection is essential in a manufacturing environment to prevent eye injuries, but there are other preventive measures you can take. Make sure your work area is clean and organized, free of any clutter, debris, or sharp objects that could cause tripping, falling, or flying hazards. Use the proper tools and techniques for your task, following instructions and guidelines for the equipment and materials you use. Wear appropriate clothing and accessories that won't catch on machinery or ignite. Secure any cords or wires that could interfere with your vision or movement and tie back long hair. Communicate with your co-workers, using signs, signals, or warnings to alert others of potential hazards or ongoing activities. Respect the safety rules and procedures of your workplace and report any problems or concerns to your supervisor or manager.

5 Treat eye injuries

If you experience an eye injury, you need to act quickly and seek medical attention. For foreign objects, don't rub, touch, or remove them; rather, blink gently to try and wash it out with tears or rinse your eye with clean water or saline. If there is a chemical splash in your eye, flush it with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding your eyelid open and moving your eye in all directions. If there is a cut or puncture, don't apply any pressure, water, or medication; cover your eye with a rigid shield or paper cup and seek help immediately. Similarly, if there is a burn or radiation exposure in your eye, don't rub or rinse it; cover it with a sterile gauze or cloth and seek medical help as soon as possible. To ensure eye safety in the manufacturing environment, use the right eye protection and safety equipment; this will protect not only your eyes but also your health, productivity, and quality of life.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?