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According to statistics from the U.S. Army Public Health Command (Provisional), the average Soldier who suffers an eye injury is an E3–E5, 20- to 24-year old male, who is struck by an object while performing combat soldiering, participating in sports, or doing maintenance, repair or servicing. He is not wearing eye protection at the time of the injury. And, he will lose an average of 6.1 workdays at an average cost of $9,724 because of the injury.
Many of these injuries are avoidable if Soldiers don’t take their vision for granted, and leaders ensure that appropriate eye protection is worn.
Protection at work
Follow eye safety signs and procedures. Know what to do if a hazardous material splashes into the eye. Know where the nearest eyewash station is and how to use it. Always wear approved eye protection for mechanical, chemical, biological or radiant energy (from such sources as welding, lasers or sunlight) hazards. Make sure eye protection is clean and in good shape.
According to the American National Standards Institute, the industry code “Z87” must be marked on the side. For training and operational duties, a ballistic standard is required. Military Combat Eye Protection, or MCEP, approved by PEO Soldier and labeled “APEL” (Approved Protective Eyewear List) significantly exceeds ANSI Z87 standards and meets this requirement.
Contact lenses should not be worn where there is smoke, dust or fumes, or when training or deployed. Eye hazards should be reported to supervisors. If an eye injury occurs, call emergency medical services immediately.
Protection at home
When outside, wear sunglasses that absorb the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Both clear and tinted MCEP lenses provide UV protection. A broad-brimmed hat also helps protect the eyes.
When working on cars or around the house, be aware of the eye hazards. Mechanical hazards such as rust or flying objects, chemical hazards such as battery acid, and radiant hazards are common in the home shop. Remember to wear approved eye protection—safety glasses and goggles should have Z87 markings on the side. MCEP exceeds safety glasses standards and can also be worn in the home working environment.
Always wear appropriate, approved eye protection when playing sports. For eye-hazardous sports, wear American Society for Testing and Materials-approved eyewear that contain protective lenses.
Additionally, have an eye exam every two or three years, or sooner as directed. Early detection and correction of eye problems is important. Above all, use common sense—protect your vision.
According to statistics from the U.S. Army Public Health Command (Provisional), the average Soldier who suffers an eye injury is an E3–E5, 20- to 24-year old male, who is struck by an object while performing combat soldiering, participating in sports, or doing maintenance, repair or servicing. He is not wearing eye protection at the time of the injury. And, he will lose an average of 6.1 workdays at an average cost of $9,724 because of the injury.
Many of these injuries are avoidable if Soldiers don’t take their vision for granted, and leaders ensure that appropriate eye protection is worn.
Protection at work
Follow eye safety signs and procedures. Know what to do if a hazardous material splashes into the eye. Know where the nearest eyewash station is and how to use it. Always wear approved eye protection for mechanical, chemical, biological or radiant energy (from such sources as welding, lasers or sunlight) hazards. Make sure eye protection is clean and in good shape.
According to the American National Standards Institute, the industry code “Z87” must be marked on the side. For training and operational duties, a ballistic standard is required. Military Combat Eye Protection, or MCEP, approved by PEO Soldier and labeled “APEL” (Approved Protective Eyewear List) significantly exceeds ANSI Z87 standards and meets this requirement.
Contact lenses should not be worn where there is smoke, dust or fumes, or when training or deployed. Eye hazards should be reported to supervisors. If an eye injury occurs, call emergency medical services immediately.
Protection at home
When outside, wear sunglasses that absorb the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Both clear and tinted MCEP lenses provide UV protection. A broad-brimmed hat also helps protect the eyes.
When working on cars or around the house, be aware of the eye hazards. Mechanical hazards such as rust or flying objects, chemical hazards such as battery acid, and radiant hazards are common in the home shop. Remember to wear approved eye protection—safety glasses and goggles should have Z87 markings on the side. MCEP exceeds safety glasses standards and can also be worn in the home working environment.
Always wear appropriate, approved eye protection when playing sports. For eye-hazardous sports, wear American Society for Testing and Materials-approved eyewear that contain protective lenses.
Additionally, have an eye exam every two or three years, or sooner as directed. Early detection and correction of eye problems is important. Above all, use common sense—protect your vision.
