Eye accidents change lives forever
“An alarming sixty per cent of all eye injuries happen in the workplace, most of which can be prevented. Optometry Australia (OA) recommends every workplace, regardless of industry, should have eye safety procedures in place,” says Eyecare Plus Bankstown Optometrist, Dr Ali Khalife
As part of Optometrists Association’s new Workplace Eye Safety campaign, Eyecare Plus Optometrists are available to conduct workplace vision screenings.
“Eye accidents can be avoided by taking simple precautions and making sure employees have appropriate eye protection. This may be in the form of prescription or non-prescription safety eyewear, suitable for the type of work they are doing,” says Dr Ali Khalife.
“Optometrists are visiting workplaces and working with employers to conduct vision screenings which involve identification and analysis of the visual comfort and visual hazards in the specific workplace setting.
“Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment. It’s imperative that employers and employees work together to ensure eye safety procedures are in place to prevent accidents. Optometrists can provide advice in this area to help ensure workplaces are aware of all of their responsibilities in eye safety”, says Dr Ali Khalife.
Eye injuries in the workplace are most commonly caused by grinding and welding related activities, occurring most often within the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries. Another common cause is workers walking by or helping others perform tasks without wearing any, or the appropriate, eye protection.
For more information on eye health and eye conditions or to find your local Eyecare Plus optometrist visit:www.eyecarevision.com.au
About optometrists:
Optometrists are experts in vision care who diagnose, manage and treat a wide range of vision problems, eye diseases and ocular conditions. By prescribing spectacles, contact lenses, vision aides and other treatments, optometrists help their patients maximise and retain good vision for life.