When it comes to your eyesight, 
come to your senses

by Clair D. Urbain

I recently went through eye surgery to improve my vision. While it never has been one of my better senses, eyeglasses and contact lenses have allowed me to lead a normal, productive life. I have taken good vision ­– albeit corrected – for granted.

That’s all changed now. The surgery wasn’t immediately successful and some days I struggle being able to see well enough to drive. Simple tasks such as reading the paper or marking a measurement take extra effort. And if lighting is a bit poor, well, just forget it.

The doctor, who is also frustrated by my outcome, is asking me to be patient. With time, the vision should return to better than normal. And if it doesn’t, there is a good chance that another surgery will get me there.

However, that is little consolation for me as I struggle to read or do almost every task that up until two weeks ago I have taken for granted. I have put my power tools away for the time being; it reminds me of how my father struggled with failing vision in his final years that took away his ability to enjoy wood- and metal-working projects.

The Center to Protect Workers Rights reports that more than 10,600 eye injuries occur in the workplace every year, and construction workers suffer a disproportionate of those injuries.

Although my prognosis is promising over time, it made me realize how important the sense of sight is to my job, my happiness and overall well-being. It is extremely frustrating on better days and a bit scary on poorer days on what it would be like without vision.

During the interview with DMJM Aviation about the airport project in Fort Myers, Florida, we talked about on-site incidents that could lead to lost-time injuries. In one instance, a worker was saved by his safety glasses from having his eye impaled by a piece of rebar. It’s hard to imagine a thin, clear piece of plastic stood between one man and blindness or, even worse, death. He continues to work in construction and to make a living that relies heavily on the sense of sight. You can bet he will consistently wear safety glasses, knowing they saved him from harm.

Today’s styles of safety eyewear are more comfortable, more protective and more stylish than ever before. The wide variety of manufacturers assure decent prices. The only reason for not wearing safety eyewear is to tempt fate. As I have found out, the prospect of vision loss is not a gamble anyone should take.

If you are having a hard time getting workers to wear safety eyewear, first make sure the eyewear you provide is comfortable. Find out why they choose not to wear it. The many styles available should be able to accommodate any comfort issue.

Then, follow up to assure it’s worn. Set a good example by wearing it yourself and make an example of those who choose not to use safety eyewear. On the Fort Myers Midfield Terminal project, neglecting to wear safety glasses can get you sent home for the day without pay. That has ensured compliance and, in the case of the one worker, likely saved his eyesight and maybe his life.

As I struggle through the healing process, you can rest assured that I will never take my sight for granted again. Please protect your own sight as well as the sight of others by requiring safety eyewear on the job at all times.

Published in the January/February, 2004 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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