​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 FINES

Fines were raised in 2017 under Bill 177 (Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act).  Failure to copy wth OHSA and its regulations is an offence which carries the following:
  • Individuals are liable to a fine of not more than $100,000 per charge.
  • Corporations are liable to a fine of not more than $1,500,000 per charge.
  • A surcharge of 25%, required under the Provincial Offences Act.​
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

Employers

​Take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from being hurt or getting a work-related illness.
  • Make sure workers know about all hazards and dangers on the job site.
  • Make sure supervisors know what is required to protect workers’ health and safety on the job. 
  • Create workplace health and safety policies and procedures; include specific guidelines for eye protection.​
  • Make sure everyone follows the law and the workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Try to elimate hazards first through controls and other measures. 
  • Ensure PPE is specifically designed for the hazard.​ Using the wrong PPE can be as dangerous as using none at all.

Supervisors

You must ensure workers are wearing the PPE provided to them and that it is in good working order. 
  • Tell workers about hazards and dangers, and respond to their concerns. 
  • Show workers how to work safely
  • Make sure workers follow the law and workplace health and safety policies and procedures. 
  • Make sure workers wear and use the right PPE
  • Take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from being hurt or getting a work-related illness.

Workers

You have a legal responsibility to wear the PPE provided to you.  You must also:
  • Inspect and maintain this equipment daily to ensure it remains in proper working order.​​
  • Follow the law and workplace health and safety policies and procedures. 
  • Wear and use the protective equipment as required by your employer. 
  • Work and act in a way that won’t hurt yourself or others.
  • Report any hazards or injuries to their supervisor. ​