Vision health month

STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO

May is vision health month in Canada, an excellent time to remind workers when eye protection is required. The heavy construction industry comes with a variety of hazards to our eyes and vision, including sparks, welding, dust, silica, chemicals wind and sun.

Here are some tips to share with your workers:

• Make sure eye protection is CSA approved.
• Match your eye protection to the hazard of the task you are performing  
• Clean dirty lenses with water or lens-cleaning solution to prevent scratches
• Make sure eye protection is secure to not fall off when moving or bending over
• If an eye injury occurs make sure it is treated as soon as possible  
• Keep an eyewash bottle with emergency kit to flush any debris or irritants  
• Remember to inspect plumbed eye wash stations regularly
• Ensure workers are trained in WHMIS procedures.    

We only have one set of eyes, and eye injuries are preventable. For more on vision hazards and controls, contact your regional safety advisor.