According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment every day. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments, while more than 100 injuries result in one or more days away from work.
For Workplace Eye Wellness Month, the Sanford Underground Research Facility is highlighting the importance of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“Common causes of eye injuries are flying objects, such as grinding on a hard surface, hammering fragmentations and blowing dust and dirt,” said Pete Girtz, operation technical support at Sanford Lab. “To prevent eye injuries, please ensure you use the proper eye protection for the job. You should be protected from blunt impact, radiation, splashes and droplets, dust and small particles.”
Protecting your eyes can require more than just safety glasses. Side shields and face shields should be considered, depending on the job. Employees may also need to consider American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved glasses.
“Eye protection is serious business, so always ensure your eye protection meets the current version of ANSI requirements (Z87.1) and that you always wear your eye protection in PPE-required areas,” Girtz said.
Signage indicates where PPE, including safety glasses, is required onsite at Sanford Lab. Personnel should be alert and aware of the PPE requirements in their work location.
Resources:
- For general information about workplace eye wellness, check out the Health and Safety Institute's infographic.
- For specific Sanford Lab PPE details, employees may refer to the SDSTA Policies and Procedures Manual, pages 92-95.
- Employees can also contact Pete Girtz at pgirtz@sanfordlab.org for additional information.
The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily. Contact Laura Baatz at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.