Do you know if your job poses a risk of eye injuries? According to data analyzed in 2019, more than 18,000 occupational eye injuries occur annually in the U.S.
You probably do not worry much about on-the-job eye injuries unless you weld for a living. However, welding jobs are not the only source of occupational eye trauma, meaning you may carry more risk than you believe.
High-risk occupations
As you might expect, labor-intensive (specialty trade) jobs like roofing, carpentry and electrical saw the highest rate of work-related ocular injuries. 2019 saw more than 1,800 eye injuries in this category.
More occupations with high rates of ocular injuries:
- Food and beverage service—1270
- Vehicle and parts dealers—1,010
- Building equipment contracting—860
- Fabricated metal manufacturing—830
- General maintenance and repair—820
Additional at-risk jobs include nursing, automotive repair, landscaping and equipment manufacturing.
Desk job risks
If you work at a desk in a seemingly hazard-free office environment, you might want to learn more about your risk of computer vision syndrome. The ill effects of staring at a computer for seven or more hours a day include the following:
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Shoulder or neck pain
If left untreated, digital eye strain may worsen your ability to see well and comfortably even when you are not working.
Work-related eye injuries, including computer vision syndrome, are typically compensable under Missouri workers’ compensation laws. The benefits you obtain cover your medical expenses and replace part of any wages you lost due to the injury.
If you receive a claim denial notice or your boss threatens termination for filing, consider taking your circumstances to someone with experience in the field. Claim or appeal guidance ensures you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.