Protect Your Eyes! Alberta Oil Tool's #Safety Moment of the Week 07-Mar-2016

1. Protect Your Eyes!
Safety Moment of the Week
March 6th – 12th, 2016
While the causes of workplace eye
injuries can vary, the overwhelming
majority of incidents involve flying
particles or falling objects striking the
eye at a high rate of speed. Many of these
particles are smaller than the head of a
pin. 20 percent of all eye injuries
sustained on the job are caused by
chemicals.
Prevention is Key: The first defense
against workplace eye injury is prevention.
Proper eye and face protection, the proper
use of equipment guards, safety conscious
processes, education and training initiatives
can be effective in reducing the number of
injuries.
Response is Critical: The second defense
against workplace eye injury is treating
accidents quickly and effectively. When an
accident happens, timely and proper
treatment is critical to minimize the effects of
the injury, and perhaps, save the injured
person’s eyesight.
Eye wash Station Safety: Getting to a safety
eyewash station quickly after being exposed
to a hazardous substance could save your
eyesight or your life!
 Make sure you know the location of the
safety eyewash station closest to your
work area. Be sure you can locate it with
your eyes closed.
 Keep the area around eyewash stations
clear so they are easily accessible.
 Prevention is always best. Wear proper
PPE, read all appropriate MSDS’s, and
follow good safety practices.
 Eyewashes should be tested and
inspected frequently for proper operation.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
 Do not panic if you are splashed by a
hazardous substance; quickly call for help
and get to a shower or eyewash station.
 When using the eyewash, hold the eye
open to get a complete rinse under and
behind the eyelid. If only one eye is
affected, do not allow water to
contaminate the other eye.
 Always seek medical attention as soon as
possible and report the incident to your
supervisor.
 Portable eyewashes and hand held hoses
should only be used when showers and
eyewash stations are not available.

2. Safety Moment of the Week
March 6th
– 12th
, 2016
Protect Your Eyes!
Workplace eye injuries occur every day. Almost 70% of eye injuries happen because of flying or
falling objects and most of the objects are smaller than the head of a pin.
Most workplace eye injuries occur where safety eyewear is not required or the use of the eyewear is
left up to the individual to choose to wear it or not. Many of those injured on the job did not think they
needed to wear safety glasses or protective gear, or they were wearing eyewear that did not provide
adequate protection.
Don’t become an eye injury statistic! Follow the eye safety checklist below to protect your vision.
Eye Safety Checklist - This quick checklist will help you avoid workplace eye injuries and may also
make you more aware of possible hazards outside of work.
Create a safe work environment
• Minimize hazards from falling or unstable objects.
• Make sure that tools work and that safety devices are in place.
• Make sure people know how to use tools properly.
• Keep bystanders out of hazardous areas.
Evaluate safety hazards
• Identify the primary hazards at the site.
• Identify hazards from nearby workers, large machinery, and falling/shifting objects.
Wear the proper eye and face protection
• Select the right eye protection for the work site.
• Make sure safety eyewear is in good condition.
• Make sure safety eyewear fits right and stays in place.
Use smart workplace safety practices
• Always brush, shake, or vacuum dust and debris from hardhats, hair, forehead, or your
brow before removing protective eyewear.
• Don’t rub eyes with dirty hands or clothing.
• Clean eyewear regularly.