In 2020, there were 43 eye injuries per day reported to OSHA. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates 2,000 injuries per day. Both agencies agree that up to 90% of these injuries are completely avoidable.
The easiest way to avoid becoming a statistic is to examine the hazard and determine the best way to control its effects. When faced with projectile or chemical hazards, ask yourself if the hazard can be engineered out. If not, can a guard be added to shield the user from the hazard? If neither of those approaches are sufficient, the employee must be supplied the appropriate PPE for the job. For most of the hazards encountered in telecom construction, a pair of safety glasses with side protection or a face shield should be sufficient, according to eSystem Training Solutions. With any piece of PPE, the equipment should fit properly, be in good condition, and the user must be trained in its use.
For more information about PPE, consider taking the Personal Protective Equipment and Typical Site Hazards course here. This course is specific to the tower industry, about 25 minutes long, and priced at $25.00 ($22.50 with the NATE discount).
While the effects are different, even administrative tasks can pose a risk. Digital Eye Strain is a problem that can plague anyone who spends a large amount of time staring at screens and devices. To help mitigate the hazard, the common advice given is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, take a break for 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet or more in the distance.
For more information about eSystem Training Solutions, visit https://www.esystemtraining.com/.
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