OUR eyes are one of the most delicate and valuable parts of the human body, yet they are often taken for granted at the workplace.
Whether someone works in an office, factory, laboratory, construction site, or even from home, eye safety should always be a priority.
Many workplace eye injuries are preventable if proper care, awareness, and safety practices are followed.
In industrial and construction environments, workers are commonly exposed to hazards such as flying particles, dust, chemicals, sparks, and intense light from welding or machinery.
Without proper eye protection, these hazards can cause serious injuries including cuts, burns, infections, or even permanent vision loss.
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, face shields, or helmets with visors significantly reduces these risks.
Employers must ensure that the right type of eye protection is available and that workers are trained to use it correctly.
Eye safety is just as important in office settings, although the risks may seem less obvious.
Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue. Poor lighting, glare from screens, and incorrect seating posture can make these problems worse.
Simple practices such as adjusting screen brightness, maintaining proper distance from the monitor, wear blue light glasses, and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can help protect eye health.
Chemical handling areas and laboratories pose another set of risks.
Splashes from hazardous liquids or exposure to harmful fumes can cause severe eye damage.
In such workplaces, emergency eyewash stations should be easily accessible, and employees should know how to use them in case of accidents.
Most common in Fiji — when wielding metal tools or materials face a serious risk of eye injuries, especially from flying metal fragments.
Even a tiny metal foreign body in the eye can cause pain, infection, or permanent damage if not treated properly.
To avoid eye injury, wear safety goggles, face shields, or helmets. In case of any eye injury, do not stay at home, visit to eye doctor immediately.
Ultimately, eye safety at the workplace is a shared responsibility.
Employers must provide a safe working environment, proper equipment, and regular safety training.
Employees, on the other hand, should follow safety guidelines, and wear protective equipment. By taking eye safety seriously, workplaces can prevent injuries, improve productivity, and ensure long-term well-being for everyone.
n Ukash Manger is consultant optometrist at Asgar Optometrist Lautoka Branch.
