Southern California Workers’ Compensation Blog

Flushing your eyes out after a work incident 

On Behalf of | Aug 3, 2022 | Workers Compensation

Numerous jobs involve constant exposure to chemicals and airborne particles. When working in such an environment, it’s important to utilize safety glasses and other protective eye equipment. 

Unfortunately, despite taking these steps, you may still end up with an eye injury. If a foreign object enters your eyes, flushing them out can help to relieve the discomfort and ensure no long-term injuries. What’s the best way to do this? 

Act quickly 

Generally, the faster you act the better the outcome will be. A small fragment of metal could become further lodged into your eye, resulting in further damage, if not rinsed out immediately. If it is a chemical substance that has entered your eyes, you may have time to rinse it out before any severe damage is done.

Remove contact lenses 

Your eyes will not reap the benefits of being washed if you keep your contact lenses in. If possible, remove them before carrying out any flushing procedure. 

Access to appropriate equipment is essential 

While you can flush your eyes out using a sink and water, it’s safer for workers if there are designated eye wash areas. This is something employers should keep in mind, particularly in industries that involve chemical usage and heavy machinery. 

Seek medical treatment

Regardless of what other measures you take, immediate medical attention is essential. Your eyesight could be at stake.

Eye injuries have the potential to be catastrophic, and you may even lose your vision completely in severe circumstances. If your ability to work has been jeopardized by a job-related accident, You may be entitled to legal compensation. Seeking some guidance on the matter will give you a clear idea of what your options are.