CYBER WEEK 30% OFF ENTIRE STOE CODE: 30CYBER ENDS: 11/28/2023, AT 11:59 PM ET
- LASER
- RADIATION
- WELDING
- GLASSWORKING
- MEDICAL
- OPTICAL FILTERS
OPTICAL FILTERS
- INDUSTRIAL GLASS
- SAFETY GLASSES
- ACCESSORIES
Accessories
- INFORMATION
From the local delivery driver to the internationally-renowned neurosurgeon, every job comes with its own potential risks. Unfortunately, these risks are not mere conjectures; actual injuries occur on a daily basis. Among the vulnerable areas of the body, the eyes seem to bear the brunt of these injuries.
According to the Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), approximately 2000 U.S. workers suffer from job-related eye injuries every day, necessitating medical attention. Out of these, about one-third of the cases are treated in hospital emergency departments, and more alarmingly, over 100 injuries result in one or more days of work absence. This staggering statistic is particularly shocking considering the widespread availability of protective eyewear.
One of the contributing factors to the aforementioned eye injuries is occupational radiation exposure. This issue has become so significant that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) convenes conferences to deliberate and devise action plans aimed at safeguarding the multitude of individuals worldwide who work with ionizing radiation. This at-risk population includes, but is not restricted to, medical professionals dealing with x-rays, such as those working in fluoroscopy and cath lab teams.
The use of radiation for disease diagnosis and treatment is steadily expanding worldwide, yielding considerable benefits to those afflicted by illnesses. Nonetheless, exposure to radiation poses definite risks. While medical facilities take measures to shield the untargeted areas of patients’ bodies during procedures, the same level of protection is often not extended to the technicians conducting the tests or procedures. Regrettably, despite their overall vigilance in safeguarding their bodies from radiation, many technicians overlook the importance of shielding their delicate eyes.
Cataracts, arising from occupational radiation exposure, represent a sorrowful and all-too-common outcome. These ocular conditions develop gradually, often without immediate symptoms. Nevertheless, once they manifest, they inevitably impact vision and, in severe cases, can result in blindness. Notably, cataracts stand as the foremost cause of blindness worldwide. Tragically, certain individuals are predisposed to developing cataracts due to factors such as age, genetics, or underlying health issues, leaving them in a vulnerable position to prevent eye damage. Nevertheless, the issue remains whether anyone should suffer from vision loss due to inadequate implementation of safety precautions in their workplace.
The use of appropriate radiation safety glasses can help prevent a range of consequences. These include avoiding mildly blurry vision that can deteriorate into cloudiness or dimness over time. Additionally, such eyewear can aid in preventing weak night-time vision, which may impair a person’s ability to drive after dark. Another benefit is reducing sensitivity to sunlight or bright indoor lights, alleviating potential discomfort. By wearing these specialized glasses, individuals may also minimize the frequency of updating their eyewear prescription. Moreover, they can mitigate changes in color perception, preventing objects from appearing yellowish. Ultimately, investing in the right radiation safety glasses can significantly decrease the likelihood of requiring one or more surgeries to address eye-related issues.
As stated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), workplace eye injuries predominantly arise from two primary reasons. The first being the failure of employees to wear any protective eyewear at all, and the second reason being the usage of incorrect or inadequate eye protection. Recognizing the importance of wearing radiation safety glasses, here are some essential considerations to guide you in selecting the appropriate pair.
First, it is essential that the specifications of the anti radiation glasses meet or exceed OSHA regulations concerning the particular type of radiation to which the worker is exposed. It’s crucial to remember that the absence of OSHA regulations for a specific line of work does not imply the absence of danger. Both employers and employees should take personal responsibility for safety, not solely relying on mandated precautions. Being proactive in ensuring safety is a shared commitment for all involved parties.
While prioritizing safety, it is crucial for these glasses to also offer comfort. If the radiation protection glasses are not comfortable, there is a high likelihood of individuals being tempted not to use them, especially if they are required to wear them for extended periods throughout the day. Moreover, the glasses should provide sufficient peripheral vision to allow the wearer to perform their tasks without the constant need for removal. Ensuring both safety and comfort will encourage consistent and effective usage of the protective eyewear.
When dealing with individuals who typically wear prescription glasses and are exposed to radiation, it is essential for the radiation eyewear to fit comfortably over their regular glasses. Alternatively, the radiation glasses should be customized to incorporate the person’s prescription. This approach guarantees that neither the employee’s safety nor the quality of their work is compromised. For individuals with strong prescriptions, it is advisable to opt for prescription radiation glasses instead of fit-overs, as the latter can lead to distorted vision, undermining the effectiveness of the protective eyewear.
An eye injury can result in varying degrees of discomfort, and in severe cases, even lead to blindness. Nevertheless, workplace eye injuries are largely preventable. It is estimated that employing appropriate protective eyewear can avert around 90% of serious eye injuries. Despite this fact, thousands of employees, including those dealing with radiation, still experience injuries daily. Given that the risk escalates with each radiation exposure, it is worth considering the adoption of radiation safety glasses as a proactive measure.
Phillips Safety offers a diverse range of lead glasses suitable for both employers seeking to safeguard their workers and employees looking to enhance the OSHA-required protection they already have. Our collection includes radiation glasses that effectively fulfill the necessary safety functions while ensuring style and comfort are not compromised. You can explore a wide variety of options, including designer frames by Wiley X and Nike. Additionally, we provide radiation departments with signage, lead barriers, and shields to meet their specific requirements.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for any inquiries you may have about radiation safety glasses or other occupational safety products. We are also here to assist you with concerns related to hazards from lasers, welding, glass-working, and other related fields. If you have a specific item in mind that is not currently featured on our website, feel free to ask, and we will gladly help you find a suitable solution.
