It's Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month!

March is known for its changing weather and, of course, March Madness. It's also the month designated as Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month.

According to Prevent Blindness America, an estimated 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries on the job every day. The injuries not only rob many of them of their sight, but also cost employers and insurance companies millions of dollars a year-$924 million in workers' comp and nearly $4 billion in wage and productivity losses, the group claims. The good news is that 90 percent of all workplace eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper eyewear and safety measures.

The first prevention step is to assess work areas for accidents that can be caused by impact, heat, chemicals, dust, glare, and optical radiation. The second step is a sound safety program that mandates that 100 percent of employees, managers, and visitors follow eye safety rules. Safety managers need to assess the types of safety gear according to the task and the risk.

In a news release, Prevent Blindness America advises, "All safety glasses and goggles should be ANSI Z87.1 certified for industrial eye protection, with the Z87 mark on the frame or lenses." In certain industries, a face shield and goggles should be mandatory.

To learn more, go to: http://www.preventblindness.org/