Flying particles

Chemical splashes, vapors, or dust

Being stuck by or bumping into an object

Sparks or molten metal and other hot liquid splashes

Light radiation from welding

Studies have shown that 90 percent of all workplace eye injuries can be prevented when miners wear the proper eye protection. Most injuries occur because the miner was not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. In other instances, miners were wearing eye protection but the eyewear did not adequately protect against the specific hazard involved. Miners can help avoid eye injuries by:

Wearing protective eyewear before entering the mine or any other area where hazards may be present

Using safety eyewear that provides the maximum protection against the specific hazard

Making sure your eyewear fits properly and comfortably

Inspecting protective eyewear regularly and replacing if there are defects

Knowing where eyewash stations are located and how to use them

Knowing basic first aid for eye injuries

Storing your protective eyewear where it won't get scratched or damaged, and keeping it clean

Remembering to step away from the potential hazard if the eyewear is removed for cleaning

Using antifog material and keeping eyewear on at all times

Immediately reporting potential hazards that could affect eyes to a supervisor