Health and Safety Resources Caution to Users Many of the resources in this archive were originally prepared by WSN s predecessor organizations for use by industry clients. While much of the information and many of the forms included with them are still valuable, users should recognize that examples, contact information and data such as legislative references may be out of date. The resources are offered as free tools for companies to use in an effort to continuously improve their health and safety systems. But users of these resources also need to ensure that they are aware of the most recent legislation, equipment and processes, as well as current practices.
Eye Injuries Controlling the Hazards September 2003 Participant s Notes - Eye Injuries Every year, workers in Ontario s mining and aggregates industries suffer injuries to their eyes. Fortunately, most cases of eye injury can be treated with first aid or medical attention and full recovery of precious eyesight is made. In some circumstances, eye injury can lead to partial or total loss of sight. With the right personal protective equipment and a little knowledge, eye injuries - on and off the job - can be avoided. This short Safety Meeting Topic was developed to review and refresh your knowledge about protecting your eyesight. Every year, thousands of Ontario workers suffer injuries to their eyes. In this safety meeting, we ll discuss the problem and the methods we have to control the hazards. #0 #1 From birth to old age, our eyes and the gift of sight are in constant danger of being damaged both on and off the job. The human eye is a marvellous organ. Though the eyesight of newborn babies is undeveloped, in a few short months they quickly gain the ability to see and recognize shapes and colours. By the time we re toddlers, our eyes can distinguish complex scenes and millions of colours. But, from birth to old age, our eyes and the gift of sight are in constant danger of being damaged both on and off the job. 1
#2 Our eyes are probably our most delicate body parts Sources of damage include: flying objects dust dirt strong light chemicals Our eyes are probably our most delicate body parts with only a fringe of lash hair and a thin membrane, the eyelid, offering natural protection. Flying objects, dust, dirt, strong light and chemicals are only some of the potential sources for eye damage. Damage can affect: Surface Blood supply system Lens Optical nerve network In addition to injury to the eye s surface, damage may also occur deeper in the eye s structure affecting the lens, blood supply system or complex optical nerve network. #3 #4 In Ontario: 3,500 workers suffer eye injuries per year 86 % of injuries are scratches or abrasions When we think of eye injury we tend to picture the kind of serious trauma caused by large flying objects or impacts from other sources. But serious eye injury may be much more subtle than this and the effects can build, unnoticed, for years. On the average, more than 3,500 workers in Ontario suffer eye injuries every year. By far the most common eye injury types in mining are scratches and abrasions (86%). 2
#5 General working conditions Safety glasses The first line of defence against eye injury is safety glasses. No longer heavy, cumbersome or ineffective, modern glasses offer the wearer excellent protection with little or no discomfort, even in difficult conditions. Where permitted contact lenses can be worn along with most normal eye protection. Follow your company policies. For general working conditions, safety glasses are the answer but, in other circumstances, even more specialized protection is required. #6 Chemical splashes Airborne dust and dirt Wherever there s a risk of chemical splashes, airborn dust and dirt or other potentially damaging conditions, safety goggles offer a worker more protection than regular safety glasses. They re made in many different shapes and styles from a range of materials to suit the nature of the on-the-job hazard to be encountered. Safety goggles Hot/molten metal Caustic chemicals For maximum protection, especially when dealing with hot or molten metal or caustic chemicals, a face shield may be required. Usually worn in conjunction with safety glasses, shields offer additional protection for the wearer s face and neck. #7 Face shield 3
#8 Welding, Cutting & Brazing Welding mask Welding, cutting and brazing operations demand special protection against flying bits of hot or molten metal as well as sheltering the wearer s eyes from the ravages of very bright arc light and ultra-violet radiation. Anyone who has suffered a flash burn to the surface of the eye knows the intense discomfort caused by this type of injury. Eyewash stations required by law Eyewash fountains are required by regulation at every mining plant where poisonous or dangerous compounds, solutions or gases are present. Where they re installed, employees should receive training on when and how to use them effectively. #9 Employees should be trained to use them properly. #10 Damage from ultra-violet light accumulates over time. Good sunglasses have 100% UV protection. Eye damage is eye damage. Whether it occurs on or off the job, the effects are the same and it doesn t necessarily have to be caused my an accident. We ve recently begun to understand the potential for eye damage from ultra violet light which, scientists say, is increasing with the thinning of the protective layer of ozone surrounding the globe. Without effective sunglasses, the damage which can occur to the eye can be about the same as watching a welding arc with the naked eye. Such damage accumulates over time and, all too frequently, results in cataracts - hardening and darkening of the eye s normally clear lens. 4
#11 Remember eye safety on and off the job! Sun glare off snow, sand, water or any other reflective surface creates a hazard for everyone s eyes. Other eye hazards, similar to those we experience at work, abound in sports, crafts and other pastimes. Recognizing the hazards and wearing appropriate eye protection should become habitual for everyone. Legislation for Eye Injuries Occupational Health and Safety Act The provision and use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses is prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act: 25(1) An employer shall ensure that, (a) the equipment, materials and protective devices as prescribed are provided; (b) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are maintained in good condition; (c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace; (d) the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are used as prescribed. 27(1) A supervisor shall ensure that a worker, (a) works in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by this Act and the regulations; and (b) uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker s employer requires to be used or worn. 28(1) A worker shall, (a) work in compliance with the provisions of this Act and the regulations; (b) use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker s employer requires to be used or worn; (c) report to his or her employer or supervisor the absence of or defect in any equipment or protective device of which the worker is aware and which may en danger himself, herself or another worker 28(2) No worker shall, (a) remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by his or her employer, without providing an adequate temporary protective device and when the need for removing or making ineffective the protective device has ceased, the protective device shall be replaced immediately. 5
Regulation 854 - Mines and Mining Plants also contains sections relating to eye protection. 12(3) An employer shall require a worker to wear or use such personal protective equipment, clothing or devices as are necessary to protect the worker from the particular hazard to which the worker may be exposed. 12(4) Every worker shall be properly fitted with personal protective clothing or equipment by a competent person or persons. 193(4) The operator of a grinder shall wear eye protection. 282(2) At every mining plant where poisonous or dangerous compounds, solutions or gases are present, there shall be kept or installed in a conspicuous place, as near the compounds, solutions or gases as is practical, (a) antidotes and washes; (b) eye wash fountains; and (c) where necessary, showers for treating injuries received from such compounds, solutions or gases. References For more information on Eye Protection contact your MASHA Representative and/or visit the following web sites: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) web site offers specific information about selecting safety eyewear and face protection. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/glasses.html The CCOHS also has a web page of valuable information about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation at: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/ultravioletradiation.html All About Vision is another web site loaded with information about eyes and eyewear for kids and adults. http://www.allaboutvision.com MASHA recognizes that individual companies must develop health and safety policies and programs which apply to their workplaces and comply with appropriate legislation. The information contained in this reference material is distributed as a guide only to assist in developing those policies and programs. The course material contained in this manual is protected by copyright. The reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this material without the prior written consent of the Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association is a violation of national and international copyright laws. Copyright 2003, Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association For more information please contact: 6 Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association 690 McKeown Avenue, P.O. Box 2050 Stn. Main North Bay, Ontario P1B 9P1 Phone: (705) 474-7233 Fax: (705) 472-5800 email: info@masha.on.ca