Eye injuries: prevention
Eye injuries are common, with about 50 million occurring each year worldwide. However, more than 90 per cent of eye injuries are preventable. Some suggestions to protect your eyes from injury include the following.
In general
- Wear protective eyewear whenever there is the slightest chance of eye injury.
- Always read the label carefully before using any medicine in your eyes.
- Read the instructions carefully before working with chemicals of any type. Use gloves if advised and wash your hands thoroughly after using any chemicals.
In the workplace
- Ensure that you wear the appropriate safety eyewear recommended for your job. The safety eyewear should comply with the Australian standards.
In the house and garden
- Store poisonous or toxic substances in a locked cupboard, or out of reach of children.
- Take care when using household cleaners and chemicals, and make sure that you point spray nozzles away from you.
- Discourage children from throwing, twirling or flicking objects when playing.
- Wear protective goggles when pruning or using a rotary lawnmower or edge trimmer.
- Keep children away when there is a danger that an object may get thrown up into their eyes, such as when you are mowing the lawn.
In the workshop
- Wear protective eyewear when using power tools, hammering metal on metal, welding, or carrying out any other activity where there is potential for an eye injury to occur.
- Don’t stand or walk close to where anyone is drilling or grinding.
Playing sports
- Wear safety eyewear appropriate for your sport.
Last Reviewed: 07 September 2007
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