Improving Protective Eyewear for Florida's Citrus Workers

University of South Florida: Center for Community-Based Prevention Marketing

Topics:
Occupational Safety

Citrus workers are subject to occupational eye injuries caused by branches and leaves; eye infections, irritations, and allergies from dust and debris; and cataracts and vision problems from exposure to sunlight. An eye injury can have consequences that range from pain to blindness, which may result in temporary or permanent loss of work and wages. Although more than 90% of eye injuries can be prevented by safety glasses, several of Florida's largest citrus companies have been unsuccessful in implementing protective eyewear programs.

In interviews with citrus workers, researchers discovered that the protective eyewear available does not meet citrus workers' needs. For example, current safety glasses scratch easily, need frequent cleaning, are not very durable, and fog up in the hot, humid environment of the citrus groves. In addition, the eyewear does not protect workers from ultraviolet (UV) light, is costly, and needs to be replaced fairly often.

A partnership* was formed to develop protective eyewear that meets workers' needs. A prototype in development meets their requirements for economical, scratch-resistant, antifog, self-cleaning lenses that also offer UV protection. The NIH/CDC Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) mechanism is funding this partnership through Phase I to develop and pilot-test the prototype. If successful, the partnership will be funded to mass produce, disseminate, and evaluate the safety glasses with a large sample of Florida citrus workers.

The partners anticipate completing the evaluation in 2010. If the eyewear prevent and reduce eye injuries while allowing the citrus workers to maintain quality work, the partnership will develop a social marketing strategy to disseminate the safety glasses to citrus workers across Florida and possibly to other workers and industries as well.

*The partnership comprises the University of South Florida Prevention Research Center; Partnership for Citrus Worker Health; CDC's Prevention Research Centers Program; CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; MicroCell Technologies, LLC; NeoAdvent Technologies; Bacou-Dalloz Eye & Face Protection Inc.

 

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