September is Home Eye Safety Awareness Month

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One in five at-home eye injuries are due to home repair or power tools according to results from the “Sixth Annual Eye Injury Snapshot” by the American Society of Ocular Trauma (ASOT).

Every year, there are more than 2.5 million eye injuries; yet, the use of protective eyewear could have prevented 90% of these injuries. When starting any project, whether it is cleaning surfaces with chemicals, working on the car or doing yard work, PBA asks everyone to wear eyewear approved by the American National Standards Institute. The eyewear should have the “Z-87” logo stamped on the frames and can be purchased at hardware stores and home building centers.

PBA offers these tips on how to protect children’s eyes at home:

Teach children not to run around with forks, knives, combs, or toothbrushes.

Keep detergents, cleaning supplies, nail polish remover, mouthwash, and makeup in locked cabinets or out of reach.

Set a good example by wearing eye protection when using ammonia-based cleaning supplies or while working on projects.

Do not allow young children to use combs, brushes, or hairspray unless you watch or help them.

Prompt others who enter the work area to wear eye protection.

If you wear prescription glasses, many safety glasses or goggles will fit over your regular glasses. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends.

Posted in: American National Standards Institute, Eyewear, Goggles