Michael Courouleau Reveals Thousands Suffer Unnecessary Eye Injuries Each Year

January 17,2013

Job-related eye injuries can be prevented, safety expert Michael Courouleau says.

Michael Courouleau Reveals Thousands Suffer Unnecessary Eye Injuries Each Year

Michael Courouleau, safety expert with decades of experience, reveals that approximately 2,000 workers suffer on-the-job eye injuries each year. These injuries could be prevented, Michael Courouleau believes, by simply requiring workers to don safety glasses during work hours.

Safety isn't the only reason workers should wear glasses while working. Michael Courouleau has found that wearing glasses can help work situations more comfortable for employees, who will be better equipped to resist flying debris and airborne allergens. For employees who wear prescription glasses, Michael Courouleau points out that safety glasses can be filled with that worker's prescription, eliminating the need for them to wear their regular eyeglasses while working.

Michael Courouleau, who has spent his career specializing in helping businesses improve safety measures, believes this experience has given him valuable insight into how to best protect workers against workplace hazards. Wearing safety glasses prevents eye injuries from a variety of causes. Debris is only one of the potential dangers presented to workers. Michael Courouleau stresses that splash-back is a serious threat to those working with chemicals. If even a small amount of a hazardous chemical gets into someone's eye, that person could suffer permanent damage that even leads to blindness, Michael Courouleau warns.

Even without splash-back, Michael Courouleau finds that fumes can cause damage, especially with prolonged exposure. The right safety glasses allow workers unlimited exposure to these chemicals without eye damage, Michael Courouleau believes.

Michael Courouleau also cautions that workers who spend their days outside should also be required to wear glasses that protect against UV rays. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over a period of time, UV radiation exposure can cause cataracts and burn the surface of the eye. Even the sunlight reflecting off the pavement or outdoor structures can cause damage.

Exposure to radiation and lasers also merit safety glasses. Like UV radiation, exposure to radiation and lasers can cause corneal damage over time. Additionally, if workers are required to handle bodily fluids, Michael Courouleau states that safety glasses can reduce the risk of exposure to life-threatening illnesses.

According to Michael Courouleau, there are several types of safety glasses available. Goggles are ideal for protecting against splashes and can be worn over regular glasses, Michael Courouleau states. Face shields, notes Michael Courouleau, are best for use when working around bodily fluids and are often worn by dental hygienists and hospital medical personnel. Welding work often brings its own special type of eyewear, with some designed to protect against exposure from radiation and lasers. Grinding and pipe fitting operations can pose serious threat with grinding/abrasive wheels shattering at 1000s of RPMs sending flying debris potentially harming the tool user and others in the immediate work area.

Michael Courouleau emphasizes the importance of choosing safety glasses that fit properly. An improper fit could allow particles to slip inside. Safety glasses should also be replaced on a scheduled basis, since worn-out glasses can have cracks that degrade the integrity of impact rating. All safety glasses whether prescription or not, including goggles and face shields should be rated accordingly to ANSI Z87.1-2003.

Contact Michael Courouleau

2701 Airline Drive

Metairie, LA 70001

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