The latest figures from the HSE estimates the cost of work injuries and ill health from working conditions is £15 billion. Even with the advent of personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace injuries are still costing businesses and public services money.

Eye injuries make up a small amount of this cost, but these injuries can impact an employee’s life.

Below, we discuss how to protect your eyes in the workplace and the importance of eye protection signs.

Types of Eye Protection in the Workplace

Eye injuries occur in the workplace for two reasons: eye protection wasn’t worn, or eye protection wasn’t used properly.

Despite the wide range of eye injuries that can occur, the above reasons underpin all them. For that reason, employees need to be both reminded and trained to ensure they keep up with eye protection safety.

There are five categories of eye protection:

1) Spectacles with side protection – a broad category used for all types of eye protection. These must contain side shields to prevent debris from coming in at the side. 

2) Goggles – a higher-end version of spectacles. These protect the eyes from fluids, particulates, chemicals, etc.

3) Welding helmets – protects from heat, sparks, infrared light, fire and UV light.

4) Hoods – non-rigid protection with impact-resistant windows. Ideal for eye protection in confined or awkward spaces.

5) Face shields – protects a user’s face from impacts, heat and glare.

6) Respirator facepieces – colloquially known as a gas mask, this protects a user’s eyes and lungs from inhaling particulates, microorganisms, gases, vapour, etc.

Having the correct equipment for the correct environment is only half of the battle, though. Employees need to stay trained and reminded via eye protection signs to stay safe.

The Role of Eye Protection Signs

Eye protection signs communicate and remind members of staff to use their PPE. They are an implicit line of defence and can be the difference between a tired worker putting on their goggles and hurting themselves.

Signs must comply with harmonised standard EN 7010, as well as the Signs and Safety Regulations 1996.

If you work in medical, laboratories, research facilities, hospitals, forestry, construction, agriculture and everything in between, eye protection is essential.

Even in non-physical jobs, eye protection is important, albeit without the need for equipment. Eye protection in the office, for example, is essential to protect eyes from screen glare.

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Our full range of eye protection signs will keep you, your employees and your business safe.

Sometimes, a functional and modern security system can be too much for a business to invest in. Covering the whole premises in the same level of security can be a stretch too far for some.

Security signs, though, can be a cost-effective method to prevent a robbery in a business. Deterrence is a complicated psychological tool, but it can only be used if you know where to put security stickers.

The Effects of Security Signs

Security signs are likely to have a large effect in the minds of opportunistic burglars. While those who plan well in advance may notice other opportunities, security signs add a much-needed layer of defence against those who strike without a plan.

It may also put off professional burglars early on – it’s easier for them to plan a hit a business that has no defence than a company which communicates one.

When used with CCTV and security systems, signs that detail the type of systems, brands and other security information will put off even the most seasoned of swindlers.

If you don’t use security signs, then you run a risk of opportunistic burglars breaking into your business or property.

Fake security signs, though, are not recommended. Experienced burglars see fake signs as an invitation to break in; they only communicate that a premise isn't fully protected.

While a proper security system helps, putting off those who wish to break-in at the first step is the most cost-effective method of protection.

How to Use and Where to Put Security Signs

Security signs need to be positioned and placed properly to be effective. Broadly, place the signs in the following areas:

1) In floor-level windows, visible for those who are within 10 feet.

2) In basement and cellar windows, as this is a common access point for thieves.

3) Near entry gates, driveways and any other access points (paths, roads, etc.).

4) Any entryways or doors.

You may want to consider illuminating security signs too. Whether this is used alongside motion-sensor lights or is placed next to nightlights, you always want to make sure that the signs can be seen in darkness.

Security signs are often used in tandem with CCTV signs and systems. Discover how to use CCTV signs properly here.

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Signs are the most cost-efficient layer of protection you and your business can get. Browse our security signs range today.