In 2020, US workers saw 18,510 eye-related injury or illness cases that resulted in at least one day away from work. Although this incidence rate was lower than the year before, it still marked a serious point of improvement noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of these accidents, an overwhelming majority of cases came from contact with objects or equipment. While many workers got struck in the eye with said objects or equipment, most resulted from the worker rubbing or being irritated by foreign matter in the eye.
Additionally, a 2024 study from BMC Ophthalmology found that some of the most common eye-related emergencies seen in urgent care facilities are due to chemical injuries, orbital fractures, corneal foreign bodies, and trauma. This kind of damage can significantly impact workers whether or not it immediately results in several days off work.
The impact of eye injuries on workers
The most immediate effect of eye injuries on workers is decreased productivity. This can be a loss for both employer and employee as it hinders the worker’s ability to comfortably and safely continue their primary line of work. Although employers are obligated to cover sick pay and any potential liability with negligence, the financial impact of injury can still be significant on the affected worker. According to a survey from Financial Health Network, more than a fourth of employees struggle with medical debt.
Injuries and the recovery needed to mend already make an individual less productive, but financial struggles exacerbate this issue even more. Studies also show that workers with significant debts and medical troubles have more difficulty focusing on their workplace tasks.
What’s even more problematic is the potential long-term consequences of these injuries. While temporary vision impairment and discomfort can be treated, many cases can result in lasting vision loss. Visual impairment can be troublesome for any individual in a field primarily focused on visual acuity, but it can also contribute to mental health issues and a deteriorated quality of life. Eye pain, disfigurement, and a higher risk of infections also complicate the management of one’s overall well-being.
US surgeons have tried to address these types of problems, with a team in New York performing the world’s first whole eye transplant in 2023. The surgery was performed on an Arkansas line worker who suffered from a 7,200-volt electric shock when his face came into contact with a live wire. Among his injuries, his entire left eye was lost. Although innovative surgery proves promising for treatment, it’s still essential to find better ways of preventing these accidents in the first place.
Preventing eye injuries in the workplace
Prevention is the best course of action for reducing workplace risk and injury. Good practices go a long way in minimizing human error, but it also comes down to having the right gear. Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revealed that prescription safety glasses can prevent 90% of eye-related workplace incidents. Various eyewear models work for different lines of work while meeting OSHA safety standards and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements.
Wiley X Saber Advanced is known for its clear anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses that are impact-resistant and made of heat-resistant plastic. The wraparound frame with eye socks protects against wind, glare, and debris. On the other end of the spectrum, Wiley X WorkSight uses a more muted full-rim frame with hypoallergenic plastic resistant to breakage. Whether working with machinery or electronics indoors or outdoors, it’s about using proper eyewear with the stability needed for active labour.
On top of the protective gear worn by workers, employers should invest in artificial intelligence for workplace safety. At its most basic, AI can support businesses in creating safety plans for their workers. Research and development have also already seen robotic exoskeletons preventing musculoskeletal injuries and smart helmets that monitor vital signs and working conditions, so science and technology are already there to improve the outlook for workers. With smart eyewear and wearable tech already in the market, there’s no reason this can’t trickle over to workplace settings to improve safety nets for those most at risk of injury.