One of the most devastating injuries that workers can suffer is an eye injury. Loss of vision, or even partial impairment, can drastically impact a worker’s ability to perform his or her job and earn a living.
Chemical eye injuries and construction accidents can happen in a variety of ways, especially when hazardous chemicals are not properly secured. At the law firm of Golitko & Daly in Indianapolis, IN, we fight to protect the rights of workers injured on the job, and seek the maximum compensation available for injuries suffered while at work.
What Causes Eye Injuries While at a Construction Site?
Construction sites are full of potential hazards, making it especially important for workers and visitors to take every safety precaution.
An injury to the eye can happen in several different ways, including:
- Flying debris
- From heat or a burn, either by fire or a chemical
- Improper handling or storage of chemicals, due to a lack of training or proper safety protocols
Jobsite supervisors and managers are required to provide safety gear to help avoid these accidents; when the proper safety equipment is not provided, the responsible parties can be held accountable for any injuries that occur.
Proper use of safety gear is also required. This includes training on how to handle dangerous chemicals. A chemical burn to the eye is a serious injury, leading to full or partial blindness.
Consequences of Chemical Eye Injuries
Chemical eye burns are the result of exposure of the eye to any type of chemical substance. The severity of the burn depends on the type of chemical, and the length of time of the exposure.
Some of the consequences of chemicals coming into contact with the eyes are:
- Mild discomfort or irritation
- Damage to the cornea, which is the clear front covering of the eye responsible for most vision needs
- Scratches on the lens or cornea
- Glaucoma
- Full or partial blindness
A chemical eye burn is categorized into one of two types; acid or alkali. An acid burn may cause redness or a burning sensation, and in many cases can be remedied by flushing the eye with water.
An alkali burn does not immediately manifest, which is why many burns of this type go untreated until they become more serious. An alkali eye burn will affect the inner and outer layers of the eye. They are generally associated with chemicals such as ammonia, cleaners, and plaster or cement.
Because many of these substances are frequently found on construction sites, the likelihood of suffering a chemical eye burn while in a construction zone is high.
Who to Call for Help with Chemical Eye Injuries and Construction Accidents
At Golitko & Daly, we are experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers. We help employees who have been injured while at work, and fight for a full and fair compensation for the injuries suffered. Contact us online or call our office today at (800) 520-1644 to learn more.