We received a question recently about proper eye protection that got us thinking. Many of us have probably seen the horror stories or photos of nails stuck in eyes of employees and other such gruesome accidents. Many forensic professionals will be familiar with basic eye protection, but did you know that about 2,000 eye injuries occur on the job every day?¹ And did you ever stop to think that even “minor” eye injuries can cause long-term vision problems and suffering? For example, a simple scratch from a fine dust particle can lead to corneal erosion and life-time recurring pain. Have you ever considered that simply passing through an area can result in an eye injury? Or, that workers around and next to you may be generating the hazard? A good example is taken from the NIOSH health hazard evaluation of the FBI Latent Fingerprint Section (LFPS):

Some problems with the operation of two lasers were observed. Evidence that arrived at the LFPS was opened in the laser room and examined using the lasers to detect fingerprints. Many safety precautions are necessary when using such a potentially hazardous light source. The protective goggles that were used by the specialists were not labeled properly according to the ANSI standard. Some of the lenses were cracked, and in some cases there were different types of filters in the same pair of goggles. The door to the laser room had a small window in it, but there was no filter for the window. Appropriate laser warning signs were not on any doors or walls. The warning light in the hallway outside of the laser room was on throughout the day because the laser was always turned on, even though the laser was not always being used. The workers using the lasers were unaware of many of the hazards associated with using an argon laser.²

Granted most of these everyday injuries happen in construction and manufacturing; however, forensic specialties have their own unique eye hazards and some that are not so unique. So, take a few minutes and answer these questions:

• What are the eye hazards at my facility?
• What are the most dangerous jobs (either in terms of task or tools used)?
• Where are the most hazardous areas for eye safety?
• What type of eye protection is appropriate for these jobs or areas?
• Are other preventative measures available?

Start at the Beginning
As with every safety program we discuss, prevention is the key. Look at your answers to the questions above and start by determining how you can reduce the eye hazards at your site. First, develop an eye safety strategy based on job hazard analysis. This should incorporate engineering solutions, administrative solutions, and proper eye protection. Engineering controls are best and, ideally, implemented first. They include guards to prevent particles and splashes from being dispersed; hoods to capture dusts, particles, and vapors; and other such equipment. Administrative controls include setting up hazard areas as “off-limits” and locating passage ways and thoroughfares away from active work areas. The last piece to the puzzle, proper eye protection, is the focus of this article. Keep reading to learn more on the basic types of eye protection and when to use them.