Each year, more than 20,000 workers experience eye injuries on the job, and those injuries may cause employees to miss multiple days of work. However, there are steps that California businesses can take to minimize the risk of an individual getting hurt while on the clock.
Employees should be given adequate protective gear
Safety glasses, goggles and face shields can all help to guard against workplace eye injuries. Safety glasses may be the best option when you are working in proximity to flying debris such as wood shavings, dust or other particles. Goggles may be adequate while you are working with chemicals that might splash into your eyes. A full-face shield is recommended when working with radioactive substances or substances that might emit significant heat or light.
What to do if you experience an eye injury
If a metal shaving, piece of wood or other object gets into your eye, attempt to flush it out with water. If that doesn’t work, seek medical treatment immediately to prevent permanent vision loss. It is also a good idea to seek medical treatment in the event that the eye has been cut or is bleeding. After visiting with an eye doctor, be sure to tell your employer about the incident that led to the injury occurring. Doing so may help to preserve your ability to file a lawsuit or file a workers’ compensation claim.
An attorney may be able to help you file a workers’ compensation claim or find out why your claim was denied. In the event that your claim is approved, you may be entitled to reimbursement for medical bills or lost wages related to your workplace accident.
