Industrial safety and environmental health expert Michael Courouleau has studied the importance of safety glasses in the workplace. Michael Courouleau’s findings have shown that there are actually several applications for safety glasses, depending upon the industry.

Michael Courouleau reports studies from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh), show that about 2000 US workers seek treatment for job-related eye injuries each day. In about 90% of these cases, the right eye injuries could have lessened or prevented these injuries. Michael Courouleau breaks down eye hazards into the following categories:

• Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood, dirt)
• Chemicals (splashes or fumes)
• Radiation (light, ultraviolet, heat, infrared, lasers)
• Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV in body fluids)

Michael Courouleau has heard workers complain that safety glasses are too hot, uncomfortable or awkward to use, or that they interfere with wearing prescription glasses. According to Michael Courouleau, safety glasses with OSHA-approved protective lenses can now be ground to match prescriptions. Professions like construction, mining, auto repair, machinist work, electrical work, welding, maintenance, and manufacturing all present eye hazards and require safety glasses.

Michael Courouleau points out that it’s also important to reduce eye safety dangers by proper use of machine guards, work screens, safety cabinets or other safety controls. Along with non-prescription and prescription safety glasses, Michael Courouleau lists the following styles of safety glasses:

• Goggles, when impact, dust and chemical splash protection are needed (handy for wear over prescription glasses or contacts
• Face shields, to protect from chemicals, heat or bloodborne pathogens
• Special protective wear for welding or work with lasers.

Michael Courouleau also points out that training is essential when it comes to reducing eye injuries, and safety officers should be mindful of compliance in the workplace. According to Michael Courouleau, it’s also important that safety glasses fit properly and are kept in good shape.

Michael Courouleau has seen eye injuries in the workplace, and stresses the importance of knowing how to respond if they happen. Chemicals, particles in the eye, punctures or blows to the eye all require different treatment. Michael Courouleau wants to point out that all those injuries are avoidable, if proper precautions and safety glasses are used.

Industrial safety and environmental health expert Michael Courouleau has decades of experience in the field. Michael Courouleau calls Metairie, Louisiana home.