Employees wear contact lenses in the workplace because they allow them to see clearly, especially in cases where glasses cause blurred vision or limit the field of vision. However, contact lenses are not intended for use as protective devices and do not replace personal protective equipment.
Contact lens safety in the workplace is a complex issue with arguments for and against their use. Although there have been instances in which contact lenses have prevented toxic substances from reaching the eye, the presence of dust and chemicals trapped behind the lenses remains a concern, as do vapors and gases causing irritation and tearing, or the risk of chemical splashes aggravating the lesions if you delay removing the lenses.
The employer and the employee each have their share of responsibilities to ensure the safe use of contact lenses in the workplace.
Employer Responsibilities
- Ensure that employees comply with eye health and safety practices and procedures.
- Provide education on eye hazards, particularly those unique to contact lens use, as well as training on the proper use of eyewash stations and eye flushing procedures.
- Clearly identify contact lens wearers to those responsible for first aid. This information must also be recorded in the employee’s file.
- First aid providers should know how to remove contact lenses in an emergency. In the event that the lens cannot be removed, the employee should be seen by an eye care specialist to prevent further injury.
- Provide access to a clean area for regular maintenance and periodic cleaning of contact lenses and personal protective equipment (eg, removal of dust particles).
Employee Responsibilities
- Keep contact lenses clean. Follow the advice of the eye care specialist.
- Discuss the work environment and any possible hazards with the eye care specialist.
- Ensure co-workers and employer are aware of contact lens wear.
- Stay alert to changes in work procedures and environmental conditions that may pose a risk to safe contact lens wear.
- Keep goggles handy in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Wear personal protective equipment, if necessary.
- Learn about eye hazards in the workplace and encourage the employer and members of the Joint Health and Safety Committee to do the same.
