Eye Injuries :
Let's Bring the Numbers Down !

According to the most recent full-year statistics tracked by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), eye injuries are increasing in the automotive repair and maintenance industry. In 2004, more than 90,000 eye injuries were recorded.

But what if you're the kind of person who isn't impressed by big numbers? Then maybe this figure will get your attention: $4,000. That's the average cost to an employer for each eye injury sustained.

It doesn't take much: the tiniest shard of metal or other debris, whether falling from above or being propelled by the force of an engine's fan, will do damage to a technician's unprotected eye.

What can you do to help reduce the chance of eye injuries in your shop?:

• Encourage employees to wear safety goggles at all times while in the shop.
• Be sure that each employee has his or her own pair of glasses.
• Be more aware of the eye dangers around you before starting a task observe the dangers of flying debris,dust,chemicals,tools,paints and solvents.
• Eliminate the dangers around you by using engineering controls,such as guards on machinery.

The cost of purchasing the correct safety glasses is minimal compared to workman's comp claims, the lost time, emergency room visits or paying an employee for damaged or lost vision. And the correct eye protection can both decrease the chance of an eye injury and save money and time for your business.

Let's bring down the number of eye injuries in 2006. Wear safety glasses at all times when in the shop!