Introduction
The aim of this toolbox talk is to increase awareness on the reasons for wearing eye protection.
The use of regular toolbox talks, if done effectively, will significantly improve the safety culture within your organisation. This will increase the safety awareness of the workers, and as a result reduce the likelihood of accidents and unsafe occurrences.
Legislation references
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Wearing eye protection
It only takes a small fragment or splinter to cause irreparable damage to the eye, but most risks can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated, by simply wearing suitable eye protection.
You have a legal obligation to use eye protection provided in accordance with the regulations, and when you enter an area where eye protection is required, you must ALWAYS wear it – no exceptions.
Ensure that the eye protection you are provided with fits you comfortably and is suitable for the job. Look after any eye protection provided. Keep them clean and report to a supervisor immediately if your eyewear is damaged, has been lost or is unserviceable.
Considerations
Even when you are carrying out a task with no obvious eye hazard, you may be at risk from others working close by. Always have your eye protection with you and if you are in any doubt – wear it!
Eye protection only works when worn over the eyes – it is useless worn over the head or around the neck!
Never watch any welding processes unless wearing suitable eye protection.
Should you get something in your eye, or receive any sort of eye injury, then get a trained first aider to look at it straight away.
Always consider what eye protection is suitable when working with compressed air, hazardous substances, cartridge fired tools, power tools and power washers.