July is Eye Injury Prevention Month (I've also read this is observed in October). Whether this is the official month or not, now is a great time to revisit eye protection and safety on the construction jobsite.
Video: Construction Safety - Eye Protection
Eye injuries may not get as much attention as some of the other more common safety hazards, but that doesn't mean they are any less important. And, most eye injuries are easily preventable with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
However, wearing the proper PPE often times doesn't happen. Many excuses are given such as "it doesn't fit or doesn't feel comfortable", "it hinders my work" or "I just don't want to". Construction workers should not fall into these traps. The worse-case scenario without eye protection is much worse then a few hours of being uncomfortable.
Keep Safety Eyewear from Being Unsafe
However, the proper, well fitted eye protection shouldn't be a concern at all.
Prevent Eyes Injuries with a PPE Maintenance Program
According to OSHA, "Safety glasses or face shields are worn any time work operations can cause foreign objects to get in the eye." They should also be worn when exposed to electrical hazards.
Make sure your construction employees and coworkers are wearing the proper PPE for eye protection. And take some time to review with your employees why this is important. Often, we get so focused on the tasks and completing them on time that we push safety to the side. Don't let that happen.
NIOSH Eye Safety Tool Box Talk Guide
Just for fun
After you've properly taken the time to make sure your workers are aware and practicing proper eye safety, here are a few more holidays and observances to celebrate this month.
- July 1 - International Chicken Wing Day
- July 11- National Blueberry Muffins Day
- July 12 - Pecan Pie Day
- July 13 - National French Fries Day
- July 15 - Cow Appreciation Day (I can't help it, I'm from Wisconsin!)
- July 19 - National Daiquiri Day
- July 20 - Ugly Truck Day
- July 24 - National Tequila Day
- July 20 - National Cheesecake Day
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