10 Ways to Help Prevent Eye Injuries at Work

From construction sites to office settings, every environment presents unique eye hazards that can cause temporary or permanent damage. PreventBlindness.org and other leading safety organizations emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to eye protection.

Here are 10 proven ways to reduce eye injuries and protect your workforce:

1. Assess Hazards in the Workplace

Conduct regular inspections of work areas, access routes, and equipment to identify potential eye hazards. Review incident reports and near-misses to understand risk areas and tailor prevention efforts accordingly.

2. Test Employee Vision

Uncorrected vision problems can increase the risk of accidents. Make vision testing part of routine physical exams, especially for roles that require precision, driving, or use of heavy equipment.

3. Use the Right Protective Eyewear

Choose eye protection that matches the specific hazard—impact, dust, chemical splash, or radiation. All eyewear should meet OSHA and ANSI safety standards.

4. Implement a Mandatory Eye Protection Program

A 100% compliance policy across departments is far more effective than selective enforcement. Make eye protection a company-wide expectation, not just a departmental rule.

5. Ensure Proper Fit and Maintenance

Protective eyewear should be fitted by an eye care professional or trained staff. Maintain and repair eyewear as needed, and encourage employees to take responsibility for keeping their gear clean and functional.

6. Establish an Emergency Response Plan

Prepare for incidents with clearly marked eyewash stations and trained responders. Basic and advanced first aid training should be part of the protocol in case of an eye injury.

7. Educate Continuously

Reinforce the importance of eye protection through orientation programs, toolbox talks, signage, and ongoing awareness campaigns. Keep the message visible and fresh.

8. Lead by Example

Management support drives program success. Leaders should model compliance by wearing eye protection during site visits and emphasizing safety during meetings.

9. Review and Update Policies Regularly

Periodically assess the effectiveness of your eye safety program. Update policies based on the latest industry standards, injury data, and workforce feedback.

10. Make Eye Safety Part of Company Culture

Post safety policies where they’re easily seen. Make eye safety part of your onboarding and ongoing training. Normalize the expectation that protecting your vision is everyone’s responsibility.

Bonus Tips: How to Take Care of Your Eyes Outside of Work

Protecting your vision isn’t just a job-site issue. Encourage your employees to practice good eye health habits in their personal lives, too:

• Use safety glasses when doing yard work, cleaning with chemicals, or playing sports
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay hydrated
• Get annual eye exams to catch early signs of disease
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Prioritizing Prevention + Awareness

A comprehensive eye protection strategy saves more than eyesight – it reduces costs, improves compliance, and shows your employees you value their health. Prioritize prevention, promote awareness, and equip your team with the tools they need to see safely and clearly.

To learn more, refer to: Preventing Eye Injuries and What to Do for an Eye Injury, American Academy of Ophthalmology Protecting Your Vision, American Optometric Association.