Workers in many occupations are exposed to hazards while on the job, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks construction as one of the most dangerous when it comes to eye injuries. Colorado construction workers who work in the summer are often exposed to hazardous environmental factors such as UV rays from sunlight, heat, high winds and humidity, all of which contribute to eye injuries.
Because every construction site has its own hazards, there is no specific standard for eye protection. However, there are national and employer-based standards that are meant to serve as guides for safety managers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stated that employers should give construction workers the correct safety eyewear to protect them from the present hazards. Many workplaces even go above and beyond to implement guidelines stricter than OSHA's in an effort to protect employees.
Safety professionals generally agree that many eye injuries could be prevented if employers gave employees the proper safety eyewear. Safety eyewear should block sunlight and glare, which can temporarily blind workers and lead to cataracts and long-term vision loss. Safety eyewear should also reduce fog, a hazard that can leave workers vulnerable to slipping, falling or misusing equipment. Workers might also injure themselves when they remove their protective eyewear to wipe the fog away. Safety eyewear should also provide impact protection, reducing the risks associated with foreign bodies such as metal fragments and splinters.
People who incur eye injuries while on the job may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. An approved claim could help provide an injured victim with medical treatment as well as a percentage of wages lost as a result of the injury. Many workers find that the assistance of an attorney with the preparation and filing of their claim is helpful.
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