Eye injuries affect all types of workers in every work setting in Oklahoma and around the country. An injury can easily become permanent and lead to a lifechanging disability that requires workers’ compensation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for how employers and their workers should maintain eye safety on the job.
OSHA standards
OSHA provides standard regulations for eye safety on the job. Employers have to advise their employees to wear proper face and eye protection that protects against airborne debris, slashing chemicals, toxic fumes and other hazards.
The type of eye protection to use depends on the severity of the hazard. Workers are advised to wear lenses that are filtered against radiation or excessive light. The recommended filters have different levels of shade that are marked with different numbers. In addition to wearing personal protective equipment, employers are encouraged to provide safety training to all of their workers.
Workers’ comp coverage
Workers’ compensation benefits are provided to qualified workers in case of an eye injury. The worker must be an employee, and the accident must have occurred on the job. In addition, a claim is valid only if it’s filed by the state deadline.
Eye safety standards are determined by OSHA, a federal agency that regulates nationwide workplace safety. OSHA sets safety guidelines for employers and their employees to follow, such as rules for wearing personal protective equipment. If an injury or death occurs, workers’ compensation becomes available to people who need coverage for medical bills and living expenses.