Eye injuries at home are more common than you think
The home isn’t usually considered a dangerous place but it’s increasingly becoming the most common site of eye injuries. With eye safety regulations in the workplace but not always the home, the number of accidental injuries at home is on the rise, most often from home maintenance and DIY projects. Eye injuries can damage vision and even cause blindness, but many of these home accidents are entirely preventable. Here’s a checklist to ensure your home is safe and your vision protected.
Eye safety around the house
- Take care when using hazardous products, detergents and chemicals such as oven cleaner and bleach for cleaning. If worried, wear safety goggles to protect from fumes and powerful chemicals.
- Remember regular eyeglasses don’t provide enough protection.
- Read and follow instruction and warning labels of chemicals and cleaners, and don’t mix products.
- Be careful when cooking or using hot objects. Use grease shields to prevent the splattering of hot grease or oil.
Eye safety around the garden
- Check the lawn for stones, twigs and debris before mowing, as these can become a projectile. Keep others away from the mowing area.
- Keep items with dangerous chemicals like paints, pesticides and fertilisers properly stored in a secure area.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles when chopping or splitting wood and trimming bushes and trees to protect against flying particles.
- Always wear goggles when exposed to chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides.
Eye safety in the workshop and for DIY projects
- Always wear eye protection when doing any task that can product fragments, dust particles or other eye irritants.
- Make sure your tools and power equipment are in good condition. Don’t used damaged tools; they could be faulty and should be repaired or replaced.
Remember that bystanders also risk eye injuries, particularly curious children who often like to watch their grandparents doing chores. Make sure bystander wears adequate eye protection if needed or leave the area.