Workplace first aid eye care
Eye injuries in the workplace can happen suddenly and range from mild irritation to serious trauma caused by blunt impact, a chemical splash or flying debris.
Even a speck of dust or a splash of cleaning fluid can lead to pain, redness or vision changes that shouldn’t be ignored. Eyes are delicate and essential for almost every task, so immediate and correct first aid matters.
Acting fast can mean the difference between temporary discomfort and lasting damage. If pain persists, or vision is affected, or there’s incidence of chemical exposure, bleeding or an embedded object, seek urgent medical attention.
Why eye care is critical in Australian workplaces
Across Australia, thousands of workers suffer eye injuries each year.
In workplace environments like manufacturing, construction, healthcare and agriculture, workers are exposed to dust, chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, and mechanical hazards daily.
According to Safe Work Australia, inadequate eye protection and delayed first aid are two leading contributors to permanent vision loss at work. Every business, from small workshops to large industrial sites, must have the right first aid resources in place, including eye care supplies and trained first aid officers ready to use them.
Proactive eye care doesn’t just reduce injury risk. It also demonstrates a genuine commitment to worker wellbeing, which strengthens safety culture and compliance with work health and safety legislation.
Understanding different types of workplace eye injuries
Workplace eye injuries vary widely in cause and severity. Common types include:
- Foreign bodies - Dust, wood or metal fragments lodged in the eye.
- Chemical splashes - Exposure to acids, alkalis or cleaning agents.
- Blunt trauma - Impact from tools, machinery or moving objects.
- Radiation exposure - Burns from ultraviolet (UV) or infrared light.
The immediate goal of first aid is to flush, cover or rest the injured eye while avoiding further contact or pressure.
Understanding the correct response for each type of injury helps stop damage getting worse.
Immediate steps for managing eye injuries
Before applying first aid, remember these three golden rules:
- Do not rub or touch the eye - This can grind foreign material into the cornea or worsen a scratch.
- Do not apply pressure - Eyes are fragile and pressure can cause further trauma.
- Do not attempt to remove embedded objects - Cover both eyes lightly and seek medical attention immediately.
Then apply first aid relevant to the eye injury:
Foreign bodies, eg. loose lashes, sand or grit
- Wait until foreign body is clear of the cornea (front surface of the eye) before irrigating with saline eyewash
- Particles on the inner surface of the eyelid can be removed by irrigating with saline eyewash, or the moistened corner of a clean cloth
Embedded object, eg. wood, metal, glass
- DO NOT attempt to remove the object
- Immediately call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
- Place an eye pad over the eye and carefully secure with tape
Chemical splash, eg. corrosive liquid
- Wash the eye with copious amounts of water from an eye shower, or by cupping hands under a running tap or holding the eye down into the water, blinking rapidly, for at least 15 minutes
- Use saline eyewash if water is unavailable
- Immediately call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Blunt trauma, eg. moving objects or machinery
- Place an eye pad over the eye and carefully secure with tape
- Immediately call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Radiation exposure, eg. flash burn, UV light
- Rest in a dark room with eyes covered to protect from further light exposure
- Cold compresses on the eyes can also relieve pain
- Seek medical attention for further treatment
Choosing the right first aid eye care supplies
A well-stocked workplace first aid kit should include a range of sterile eye care products suited to both minor irritations and major emergencies.
Each plays a specific role in protecting vision and reducing harm.
Saline eyewash ampoule
When minor irritants such as dust or pollen enter the eye, sterile saline ampoules offer quick, targeted relief.
These single-use vials are easy to open and deliver a gentle stream of pH neutral sodium chloride solution that rinses small particles out of the eye safely.
Because they’re compact, ampoules are ideal for portable first aid kits, vehicles and low-risk work environments. Their single-use design also reduces cross-contamination, ensuring each rinse is clean and safe.
- Uses - Flush minor irritants and particles from the eye.
- Features - Easy dropper-like disposable applicator
- Application - Squeeze directly into injured eye, ensuring excess flows outward. Dispose of unused contents.
Saline eyewash bottle
For larger or more persistent contamination, saline eyewash bottles provide a continuous flow of sterile sodium chloride solution to flush out chemicals or debris.
The ergonomic design allows a controlled stream to bathe the eye thoroughly, helping to dilute and flush out harmful substances.
Every high-risk area - especially laboratories, industrial kitchens or workshops - should have an eyewash station with saline bottles immediately accessible. Workers should be trained to open and use them quickly, ideally within 10 seconds of an incident.
- Uses - Flush small particles and chemical irritants from the eye with mild pressure from a shower-like applicator head.
- Features - Dual-purpose applicator irrigates like a shower or douses with the eye cup.
- Application - Position applicator in front of eye and firmly squeeze to irrigate until particle is flushed out. Continue irrigation for 15 minutes for chemical irritants. Dispose of unused contents.
Emergency eyewash shower
When a chemical splash affects the eyes or face, an emergency eyewash shower delivers high-volume flushing to remove hazardous material rapidly.
Connected to a mains water supply or a portable tank, these units can provide a continuous flow for the recommended 15 minutes or longer.
Placement is crucial. Emergency eyewash showers should be within a 10-second reach of chemical handling areas. Regular testing ensures they’re functional, clean and at a comfortable temperature to avoid thermal shock during flushing.
- Uses - Flush particles and irritants from the eyes with pressurised water streaming in copious volumes.
- Features - Plumbed fixed units or portable gravity flow tank.
- Application - Lean over shower heads and activate flow to flush eye/s for at least 15 minutes.
Eye pad
After irrigation, or following an impact injury, protect and shield the eye with a sterile eye pad before further medical care.
Soft, absorbent and lint-free, an eye pad prevents contamination and reduces light sensitivity.
In cases of blunt trauma or embedded objects, covering both eyes with pads (without pressure) can reduce movement and minimise strain. Secure gently with hypoallergenic tape or a clean bandage, ensuring comfort and safety during transport to medical care.
- Uses - Cover and protect eye from further injury, infection and strain.
- Features - Sterile, latex-free, socket shaped.
- Application - Place over injured eye and secure with hypoallergenic paper tape.
Training workers in correct eye first aid response
Having quality first aid eye care supplies on hand is only half the equation.
Training workers to use them correctly is just as important. Those working in medium-to-high-risk environments should know:
- Location of first aid kits and eyewash stations
- How to activate and use eyewash bottles or showers
- When to seek medical help immediately
Regular first aid training reinforces these responses, helping workers act calmly under pressure.
Businesses can engage accredited WHS trainers and integrate refresher sessions into toolbox meetings.
Training should also include the use and correct fitting of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, face shields and goggles.
Preventing eye injuries through workplace design and culture
Eye care begins long before an injury occurs.
Australian employers have a primary duty of care under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act to eliminate or minimise risks. This includes:
- Conducting risk assessments for tasks involving dust, debris or chemicals
- Installing barriers or guards on equipment to reduce flying particles
- Providing adequate lighting to reduce eye strain and improve accuracy
- Enforcing PPE compliance through policy and leadership example
A strong safety culture encourages reporting of near misses and regular review of incidents to improve prevention strategies.
Involving workers in safety discussions builds ownership and trust - key factors in long-term compliance and engagement.
Maintaining and inspecting eye care equipment
First aid kits, emergency eyewash stations and showers require regular inspection and servicing to ensure readiness.
A monthly checklist should include:
- Verifying saline expiry dates and replacing used items
- Checking that eyewash nozzles and caps are free from dust and debris
- Ensuring water temperature is within safe limits
- Testing flow rate and duration of emergency showers
Documenting these inspections demonstrates compliance with Australian Standards such as AS 4775–2007 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment and supports WHS record-keeping requirements.
When to escalate beyond first aid
Even after appropriate first aid, some injuries require specialist assessment.
Seek immediate medical help if:
- Pain, redness or watering persists after flushing
- Vision is blurred, double or lost in part of the field
- A chemical burn or embedded object is suspected
- Injured worker feels nauseated or dizzy
Workplace first aiders should have a clear escalation plan for emergencies, including contact details for local medical centres, urgent care clinics and of course emergency services.
Building and maintaining a vision-safe workplace
Embedding eye safety into daily routines creates long-term resilience.
To foster a vision-safe workplace, employers can:
- Display eyewash and PPE signage near workstations
- Schedule regular maintenance of eye protection equipment
- Encourage incident reporting to identify recurring hazards
- Recognise teams who demonstrate safe work behaviours
A workplace that treats eye care as a core safety value, not just a compliance measure, builds a stronger, healthier and more productive workforce.
Conclusion
Workplace first aid eye care isn’t just about responding to emergencies, it’s about prevention, preparation and protection.
Australian businesses that invest in quality eye care first aid supplies, regular training and proactive safety systems not only reduce injuries but also demonstrate genuine care for their people.
By ensuring every worker knows how to respond to an eye emergency with the right first aid supplies within reach, organisations can protect one of our most vital senses and uphold the highest standards of workplace health and safety.
References
Safe Work Australia - Work-related eye injuries in Australia