Safety Alert 139 | Eye Safety
Eye injuries are among the most common workplace incidents in the electrical industry. Workers are often exposed to hazards such as flying debris, dust, metal fragments, chemicals, sparks, and arc flashes. Even a minor eye injury can result in significant pain, irritation, and long-term vision impairment.
Many eye injuries occur because workers are not wearing appropriate eye protection or are wearing damaged or incorrect PPE. Most workplace eye injuries are preventable through proper planning and the consistent use of suitable eye protection.
Causes of Eye Injuries
- Flying particles from drilling, grinding, cutting, or hammering.
- Dust, dirt, and debris entering the eyes.
- Chemical splashes from cleaning products, batteries, or other hazardous substances.
- Exposure to sparks, ultraviolet (UV) light, or arc flash during electrical work.
Prevention
Protecting your eyes is simple if you follow key safety principles:
- Always wear the correct eye protection for the task (e.g., safety glasses, sealed goggles, or face shields, double eye protection when required).
- Inspect your safety glasses before use and replace scratched, cracked, or damaged lenses.
- Keep your eye protection clean to maintain clear vision and reduce distractions.
- Never remove your eye protection while work is still in progress or when hazards remain present.
- Use machine guards, screens, and barriers to contain flying particles wherever possible.
- Be aware of nearby work activities that could expose you to airborne debris or sparks.
- Never look directly at welding arcs or electrical arc flashes without approved eye and face protection.
- Know the location of the nearest eyewash station and report any eye injury immediately, no matter how minor it appears.
Protect Your Vision
You only get one set of eyes so taking a few seconds to put on the correct eye protection can prevent a lifetime of vision loss.
If something ever enters your eye:
- Do not rub your eye.
- Flush it immediately with clean water or an eyewash station if available.
- Seek medical attention promptly if discomfort, blurred vision, or pain continues.
Always wear your eye protection before starting the job, not after the hazard appears.
For further information or feedback regarding this Safety Alert, please contact EGT on (08) 6241 6100 or talk to your Field Officer.
