​9 out of 10 injuries 
​can be avoided with the use of 
​Personal Protective Equipment

With regulations in place to protect workers and easy access to PPE, it is hard to believe that a staggering 700 workers sustain on-the-job eye injuries in Canada every day. 9 out of 10 of theses injuries could easily be prevented with the use of protective devices - including safety glasses, goggles and face shields.

An eye injury is an expensive event for any employer that can be composed of:

• Medical and rehabilitation care for the worker
• Accident reporting and investigations
• Ministry of Labour Investigations & fines
• ​Increased WSIB premiums
• Legal fees​
• Cost of replacement workers
• Loss of productivity
• Decrease in workplace morale
• Retraining the injured worker in a new position if they unable to perform previous duties
• Loss of sales due to bad publicity

The OHSA ​Section 25[1] requires employers to provide protective equipment to employees, ​and to make sure ​it is used.
The OHSA also requires workers to use or wear ​the equipment, protective ​devices ​or clothing ​​that has been prescribed

​THE PERSONAL COSTS

Eye injuries come in many forms from irritation and scratches to trauma resulting in partial or complete blindness. It is estimated that approximately 5% of eye injuries may result in serious, long term or short term vision problems or even blindness. 

​A change in your vision can impact a change in your abilities in all areas of your life. Imagine how you would live with a loss of vision, what things could you no longer do the same: could you work, play with your kids, enjoy time friends and family you used to?  It isn't uncommon for any injury can lead to financial and marital stress and depression.

WHY WE DON'T ALWAYS WEAR OUR SAFETY GLASSES

Does this sound familiar?

• They fog up and I can't see
• They scratch too easily - and I can't see
• They're uncomfortable
• They fall off​

• I lost them
  
• I forgot them
• Its only a two second job
• I didn't know I needed them

What You Can Do

The obvious answer is to wear the right protective equipment when at work (even at home). ​Products include CSA approved safety glasses, goggles, and face shields each available in designs for different applications such as working in bright light, with chemicals or welding.

Choose equipment that is built to last and comfortable to wear. Strength and comfort are key. We've all worn cheap safety glasses that fog up so you can't see when working - perhaps posing a greater hazard. True anti-fog eye protection and scratch resistance is now available, many advances have been made in technology and design.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES