Fogging stands out as the primary hindrance to wearing safety eyewear in the workplace, especially during hot weather when the risk of injury escalates. Workplace eye injuries occur swiftly, with about 15 eye injuries requiring medical treatment happening in the time it takes to read this article. Daily, approximately 2,000 workplace eye injuries necessitate medical attention, constituting about a quarter of all head injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The consequences of these injuries are profound, both in terms of human toll and industry impact. Ten to twenty percent of workplace eye injuries lead to temporary or permanent vision loss, affecting over a million Americans. From an economic standpoint, a BLS report highlights that the average lost time for a treated eye injury is two workdays, resulting in a staggering $4 billion in lost wages and productivity in a recent year.
Despite the potential for prevention, eye injuries persist, with up to 90 percent preventable through the use of proper protective eyewear, according to Prevent Blindness America. Inadequate safety eyewear policies in some industries and worker non-compliance contribute to the high incidence of injuries. A key factor influencing non-compliance is fogged eyewear, identified as the number one vision-related barrier to wearing safety eyewear in the workplace, as revealed in a study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention.
Fogged eyewear poses two specific injury risks. Firstly, under hot or steamy conditions, workers may remove fogged safety eyewear, exposing themselves to various hazards. Secondly, impaired vision resulting from fogged eyewear increases the risk of injury for outdoor workers engaged in everyday tasks. This is particularly pertinent for those working in high-heat indoor environments, such as utilities, metal fabrication, and paper mills.
The increased hazard of fogged eyewear during summer can be attributed to three interrelated factors: heat, humidity, and human exertion. A greater understanding of these factors allows for effective mitigation strategies.
To address the summertime fog hazard, it is crucial to incorporate fog danger into heat stress training. This involves making employees aware of the seasonal problem, explaining potential fogging issues, reviewing safety eyewear policies, and informing workers of available solutions. Anti-fog treatments should be readily accessible, both in areas where workers don and doff their gear and in break and rest areas. Providing safety eyewear with anti-fog lenses and improved airflow frame styles can further enhance compliance.
Comprehensive strategies should also encompass addressing other barriers to safety eyewear compliance aggravated by heat and humidity, such as discomfort caused by sweaty nosepieces or temples. Emphasizing that the policy applies to all personnel, including supervisory staff modeling safe behavior, contributes to a culture of safety.
In conclusion, addressing fogging issues during hot weather is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety in the workplace. By incorporating fog prevention measures into safety training, providing accessible anti-fog solutions, and emphasizing compliance across all levels of personnel, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries during the summer months.