OPTOMS WARN TRADIES NOT TO SUB SUNNIES FOR SAFETY GLASSES 

This Tradies Health Awareness Month (August), optometrists are warning tradies in Mackay to better protect their eyes from injury on the job site. This comes after new research commissioned by Specsavers* reveals three in five (61%) tradies admit they have worn everyday sunglasses in place of protective eyewear on the worksite. 
 
With a large number (68%) of tradies witnessing an eye injury or an eye safety hazard while on the job, subbing sunnies for safety eyewear is putting their eye health at serious risk. 
 
Optometrists are calling out to all tradespeople to be vigilant in looking after their eyes on the job to avoid long-term, often preventable, and in some cases irreversible, damage to their eyesight. 
 
The research revealed almost half (42%) of tradespeople have had an eye injury at work that required further medical attention, and almost one in five had an eye injury more than once. 
 
Local Mackay Canelands Specsavers Optometrist Liam Grouhel says,  “We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight. 
“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries.
“Safety glasses on the worksite are fit for purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.” 
 
The research found that tradies are risking their eye health by not taking eye safety as seriously as they should.  
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure, and getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come.” 
 
If you are on the worksite, make sure you wear protective glasses and if you have noticed any changes to your eyesight, book an eye test, which is bulk billed for all eligible Medicare card holders without optometry restrictions, this Tradies Health Awareness Month. For further information, visit https://www.specsavers.com.au.

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