Workplace eye safety in focus
Sixty per cent of all eye injuries happen at work, warn optometrists who are urging every workplace to put eye
safety procedures in place as part of a new national campaign.
Optometrists Association Australia (OAA) and HOYA Lens Australia launched ‘Eye accidents change lives
forever’ a comprehensive workplace eye safety campaign in May.
Most workplace eye injuries happen within the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and
mining industries and often occur during grinding and welding related tasks.
“Workers often sustain eye injuries when walking by or helping others perform tasks without wearing any, or
the appropriate, eye protection,” said the Optometrists Association Professional Services Manager, Shirley
Loh.
“It’s important that employers and employees work together to ensure eye safety procedures are in place and
followed to prevent accidents,” Ms Loh said.
“Optometrists can provide professional advice and guidance to help ensure workplaces are aware of their
responsibilities in eye safety.”
Optometrists Association will assist optometrists in conducting workplace vision screenings across Australia,
with the overall aim of reducing the number of eye injuries.
“Our members are preparing to go into workplaces to conduct vision screenings with employees. The process
will involve identifying and analysing visual hazards and determining ways to improve eye comfort in specific
work settings.”
“Most eye injuries can be prevented with simple precautions and by ensuring employees have appropriate eye
protection, such as prescription or non-prescription safety eyewear.”
Brad Bairstow, HOYA Lens Australia’s Sales and Marketing Director said: “Occupational health and safety
awareness is growing considerably in the community and we see our alliance with Optometrists Association as
a key component in ensuring our industry is well educated in the application of safety eyewear.”
Optometrists Association has developed a brochure that provides advice on protecting and looking after the
health of your eyes. For information on the campaign or to download a copy of the brochure, visit:
www.optometrists.asn.au/eyesafety