Mandatory use of eye protection prevents eye injuries in the metal industry.
BACKGROUND
Eyes are frequently injured in occupational accidents. What is the preventive effect of mandatory eye protection in metalworking?


METHODS
The injury incidence was determined before and after eye protection became mandatory in a metalworking yard.


RESULTS
The incidence declined from 6.09 to 0.42 injuries per million working hours after eye protection became mandatory.


CONCLUSIONS
Mandatory eye protection among metalworkers in Norway has high potential for preventing eye injuries and should be implemented.
Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. nils.bull@isf.uib.no
Nils
N
Bull
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008669:Metallurgy; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control