Workers wearing eye protection surrounded by chemical splashes.

Chemical Eye Injuries at Work: Are You at Risk?

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Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Retrospective Study Reveals Key Insights into Workplace Chemical Eye Projections and Prevention."


Every day, countless workers face the risk of chemical splashes to the eye. These incidents, while often perceived as minor, can lead to significant discomfort, lost work time, and, in rare cases, lasting damage. Understanding the circumstances surrounding these injuries is crucial for effective prevention.

A recent retrospective study conducted at the Paris Poison Control Center delved into the specifics of chemical eye projections occurring in professional settings. By analyzing data from 2013 to 2015, researchers identified key trends related to the types of chemicals involved, the occupations most affected, and the severity of the resulting injuries.

This article will break down the study's findings, offering practical insights for both employers and employees to minimize the risk of chemical eye injuries in the workplace. Learn about the most common culprits, high-risk professions, and effective strategies for prevention and immediate response.

Who's at Risk? Key Findings from the Study

Workers wearing eye protection surrounded by chemical splashes.

The study retrospectively analyzed 578 cases of patients who experienced ocular chemical projections, representing 0.7% of the service's activity during the study period. The study revealed a slight predominance of affected men at 50.9%. The median age was 32 years (ranging from 15–84 years), with 35.5% of the affected falling in the 20–29 age range.

Interestingly, the professions most frequently affected were not necessarily those one might immediately associate with hazardous chemicals. The most represented professions included:

  • Healthcare workers (25.8%)
  • Cleaning and maintenance staff (12.0%)
  • Hotel and restaurant employees (12.0%)
The study also identified the types of chemical exposures which caused injuries. Household cleaning mixtures accounted for 46% of all incidents. Of the chemicals, strong bases were involved in 17.4% of cases, organic solvents in 18.1%, and quaternary ammonium compounds in 11.4%.

Protecting Your Vision: Practical Steps for Prevention

This study underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent chemical eye injuries in the workplace. While the severity of injuries was generally low (with 70.6% classified as minor and 18.5% resulting in no injury), the potential for serious harm necessitates diligent preventative efforts.

Ensure proper training and readily available eye protection for all employees. Employers should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. These may include engineering controls (such as splash guards), administrative controls (safe work procedures), and personal protective equipment (PPE).

While this study provides valuable insights, it's important to recognize that it was conducted in a specific geographic location (Paris, France). The findings may not be generalizable to all workplaces or industries. Nevertheless, the core message remains clear: awareness, prevention, and preparedness are key to safeguarding your vision and preventing potentially debilitating injuries.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What does the study reveal about the frequency of chemical eye injuries?

Chemical eye injuries in the workplace are more common than one might think, as shown in the retrospective study. This study at the Paris Poison Control Center analyzed 578 cases of ocular chemical projections. Even though a majority of the injuries were classified as minor or resulted in no injury, the potential for lasting damage necessitates preventative measures.

2

Which professions were most affected by chemical eye injuries?

The most frequently affected professions in the study were not always those with obvious chemical exposure. Healthcare workers represented the largest group at 25.8%, followed by cleaning and maintenance staff and hotel and restaurant employees, both at 12.0%. This highlights that chemical eye injury risk extends beyond traditionally hazardous jobs.

3

What types of chemicals were most commonly involved in these injuries?

The study revealed that household cleaning mixtures were the most common cause, accounting for 46% of all incidents. In addition, strong bases were involved in 17.4% of cases, organic solvents in 18.1%, and quaternary ammonium compounds in 11.4%. This data underscores the need for caution when handling common cleaning agents and other chemicals.

4

What is the timeframe covered by the study?

The study's data spans from 2013 to 2015. The study retrospectively analyzed cases reported during this period, focusing on patterns such as the types of chemicals, affected professions, and the injury severity. This analysis offers insight into workplace safety trends concerning chemical eye injuries.

5

Why is it important to take preventative measures for chemical eye injuries?

While most injuries were classified as minor (70.6%), the potential for significant harm and lasting damage necessitates preventative measures. This includes implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate eye protection, and ensuring immediate and effective response procedures in case of a chemical splash to the eye. The study reinforces the importance of a proactive approach to workplace safety to protect employees.

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