If you work in an active environment such as a construction site or a factory, it is likely that you are at a high risk of suffering an eye injury. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that each year, 20,000 employees in the United States suffer an eye injury, and many of them are forced to take medical leave or pay costly medical bills as a consequence.
If you suffered any injury at work, it is very likely that you will be entitled to workers’ compensation as long as you report the injury to your employer within 30 days. In order to successfully receive compensation, it is important to make sure that you understand the nature of your injury and the claims process for workers’ compensation.
Workplace safety and protective eyewear
It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear if your workplace is an at-risk environment for eye injuries. In these at-risk environments, your employer should provide you with protective equipment in order to keep you safe. Injuries can potentially occur as a result of toxic chemicals, flying objects such as glass or metal or from dropped equipment.
Claiming workers’ compensation after an eye injury
If you have suffered an eye injury at work, the first thing that you should do is seek treatment, and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. They have the responsibility to provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form to fill out within one day, which can help you to reclaim damages from unpaid leave and medical costs.
Source: AAO, “Eye Injuries at Work,” accessed June 14, 2018