Construction Workers Face Increased Risk of Both Ocular Injuries and Diseases

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. In fact, a Forbes article highlights that construction trade work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with a fatal injury rate of 23 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time workers. Among the non-fatal injuries that construction workers encounter are ocular injuries and diseases. These injuries can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss, significantly impacting workers' quality of life and productivity.

Moreover, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also reports that workplace eye injuries cost an estimated $300 million per year in worker’s compensation, medical treatment, and lost productivity. Let’s look at the specific hazards that construction workers face regarding eye health and offer practical tips to mitigate these risks.

Eye Hazards

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction trades workers had 2,120 eye-related injury or illness cases in 2020, while material moving workers had 1,860. Among construction trades workers, 31.1% of eye injury and illness cases involved construction laborers. Construction workers encounter numerous dangers that can compromise their vision.

The most common causes of eye injuries on construction sites include flying debris, dust, chemicals, and blunt force trauma. For instance, grinding and cutting metal or wood can produce particles that, when airborne, can cause severe corneal abrasions or penetrate the eye. Similarly, exposure to alkaline-containing cement dust can lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with the eyes.

In addition, construction sites often expose workers to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially during outdoor tasks. One study found that continuous exposure to solar UV radiation leads to various adverse health effects on laborers and workers in construction industries, including welders' flash (sunburn of the eye), retinal injury, and senile cataracts. The reflective surfaces commonly found in construction sites, such as metal and concrete, can further exacerbate UV exposure, increasing the risk of ocular damage. 

Essential Safety Measures

Given the high risk of ocular injuries and diseases in the construction industry, contractors must implement robust safety measures. Here are three essential tips to help protect workers' eye health: 

1.  Utilize protective gear

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense against ocular injuries. Safety glasses or goggles should be mandatory on all construction sites. These safety glasses must meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for impact resistance and coverage. Contractors can provide PPEs like the Pentax ZT25-8 safety glasses, which meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. For tasks involving hazardous chemicals, goggles with indirect ventilation or a face shield should be used to prevent splashes from reaching the eyes. Ensuring PPE is properly fitted and maintained is also critical for effectiveness.

2.  Wear polarized sunglasses

While PPE is essential for protection against mechanical and chemical hazards, polarized sunglasses are vital for shielding eyes from UV radiation. Polarized sunglasses reduce vision-interrupting glare from reflective surfaces and offer superior protection against UVA and UVB rays. Construction companies should consider providing high-quality polarized sunglasses, such as the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL, to workers who spend significant time outdoors. These sunglasses feature wraparound lenses for total eye coverage and are designed to withstand high mass and high-velocity circumstances.

3.  Conduct in-depth safety orientations

Companies that conduct in-depth training for new employees in the safety culture, systems, and processes based on an established procedure experience incident rates that are 45% lower than those of companies with limited orientations. New hires should undergo thorough safety training that includes specific instructions on eye protection. This training should cover the importance of wearing PPE, how to properly use and maintain protective gear, and the risks associated with inadequate eye protection. 

Ocular injuries and diseases are significant risks for construction workers, but with the right precautions, these risks can be mitigated. By understanding the specific hazards on construction sites and implementing targeted safety measures, contractors can reduce the incidence of eye injuries and ensure that workers return home with their vision intact.

Colleen Anderson is a freelance writer based in Florida. She writes primarily about technology and business and hopes to find a role covering one or both subjects for an online magazine or journal in the near future.