 |
 |
Login to MyCompBenefits.com |
|
| |
CompBenefits Puts Priority on Vision
Safety;
Company Salutes Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month
Atlanta, Georgia - March 9, 2007 - According to Prevent Blindness
America (PBA), as many as 2,000 people in the U.S. incur
work-related eye injuries each day with 10 to 20 percent of those
injuries resulting in temporary or permanent vision loss. In an
effort to increase awareness about the importance of eye safety in
the workplace, PBA has designated March as Workplace Eye Health and
Safety Month
In its most recent Survey of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries,
the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that eye injuries account for
more than $467 million a year in lost production time, medical
expenses, worker compensation and other worksite costs. The report
showed that jobs with the highest eye injury rates were in
manufacturing or production, followed by installation, maintenance
and repair, and construction. Men accounted for 80 percent of the
eye injury total, and those aged 25-34 reported the most eye
injuries. Many of these injuries occurred after being struck by an
object or after rubbing the eye once debris had entered it.
The good news is that experts estimate that 90 percent of all
work-related eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper
safety eyewear.
"Workplace eye health and eye safety are important issues for both
workers and employers. Promoting healthy vision and safety programs
is good for business. Employees with access to comprehensive vision
care and who practice strict safety habits on the job contribute to
higher productivity, lower absenteeism and increased sense of well
being," says Dr. Howard J. Braverman, president of the vision
division of CompBenefits.
Dr. Braverman noted that while The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requires that employers ensure the safety of
all employees in the work environment and provide Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to prevent or lessen the
severity of injuries to workers including providing eye and face
protection whenever necessary, it takes more than just meeting those
standards to preserve healthy vision and prevent injury.
Dr. Braverman recommends that employers consider the following
suggestions when establishing an eye safety plan and risk management
program in your workplace:
- Establish the vision requirements of the job.Provide a
vision examination of each worker to determine if they meet the
requirements. Undetected and/or uncorrected vision problems can
lead to accidents and reduce productivity.
- Consider including routine eye and physical examinations in
your pre-placement requirements of your employees.
- Perform a thorough examination of the workplace,
inspecting work areas, equipment and any chemical substances.
Assess the potential eye hazards of the job and determine the use
of appropriate protective eyewear.
- Enforce eye safety regulations every day and utilize
on-going employee communications to reinforce your company's
commitment to eye safety across the organization.
- Make sure that safety eyewear has an "ANSI Z87" marked
on the frame or lens.
- Know that contact lenses and glasses are NOT substitutes for
protective eyewear.
Dr. Braverman also suggests that employees:
- Have regular eye exams to make sure their vision is adequate to
do their jobs safely and insure good vision health.
- Ask their employers if prescription glasses or goggles can be
provided, if they already need corrective vision wear.
- Know the nearest eye wash station is at their job site and how
to use it.
- Ensure that protective eyewear fits properly and comfortably.
If your eyewear is unsatisfactory, let your employer know that you
would like to have it fitted by an eye care professional or someone
trained to do so.
- Notify your employer immediately if any safety hazards are
discovered.
- Know that contact lenses and glasses are NOT substitutes for
protective eyewear.
"Whether your job involves being on a job site or production line or
working behind a desk, your vision is one of your most valuable
assets and you need to protect it," said Dr. Braverman.
In the service sector, Dr. Braverman recommends that office
workers:
- Arrange desktops so that your computer screen is 20 to 28
inches away from your eyes and a little below eye level to ease
neck strain and avoid dry eyes.
- Remove glare and harsh reflections from lighting.
- Take breaks and rest your eyes to reduce eye fatigue.
- Use eye drops to keep eyes lubricated, if necessary and
remember to blink often.
- If you notice changes in your vision acuity, see your eye care
provider to make sure your eyes are healthy.
Says Braverman, "As more and more jobs move into the service sector,
it is important that people who work with computers for long periods
of time recognize changes in their vision and create more
eye-friendly workspaces."
About CompBenefits
CompBenefits Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, provides
dental and vision benefit plans to over 4.8 million members in 31
states. CompBenefits offers a diversified portfolio of products
designed to fulfill the oral health and eye health benefit needs of
public and private sector employer groups, government-sponsored
plans, health plans, and individuals. For more information, visit
the company's website at: www.compbenefits.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
