If you work on a New York construction site, you may be at risk for incurring an eye injury. There are many ways in which such an injury could occur such as coming into contact with sawdust or rubbing your eye with a hand covered by a harmful chemical.
Watch out for falling objects
Nails, power tools or other objects with sharp edges could fall from heights as part of a construction accident and make contact with your eye. This could result in a scratched cornea or debris that is able to actually penetrate the surface of the eyeball. If glass, metal or other items get stuck in your eye, do not try to remove them yourself. Instead, cover the injured area before going to the emergency room for assistance.
Heat and light can hurt your eyes
If you use a blowtorch, caster or welder, it’s important to use proper eye protection. This is because they can create flames that are bright enough to cause eye strain or other vision problems. Furthermore, they can create flames and sparks that can singe eyebrows or cause damage to your retinas or corneas. You should also be careful when using equipment that creates ultraviolet light as it too can cause significant and long-term damage to your vision.
An eye injury may result in long-term vision loss, which may make it difficult to remain employed or otherwise live a normal life. In the event that you’re hurt at work, you will likely be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits will help to pay medical bills and lost wages associated with a scratched cornea or other types of eye injuries incurred while performing tasks for your employer.