The Ogun State Government has asked factories to provide their workers with protective goggles in order to safeguard their sights.
The government said the number of blind people among factory workers in the state is far higher in proportion when compared to the general population.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said this on Monday during a press conference in commemoration of the World Sight Day 2023, with the theme, ‘Love your eyes at work’.
Coker said factories must provide protective glasses for their employees and make sure that there is safety around work places.
“We are speaking to factories and employers as well, they must make sure that they provide protective goggles for their employees as well as make sure that there’s safety around the work place.
“We have realised in Ogun State, in particular, that the number of blind people that we see within the factory workers is far higher – the proportion is far higher among the people working in factories than in the general population,” the commissioner said.
She, therefore, asked factory owners to “please look after the eyes of your employees”.
The commissioner disclosed that the government has distributed 250 free glasses, otherwise known as ‘Jigi Dapo’ to the artisans at the Mechanic village, Abeokuta.
She said the artisans are prone to eye challenges due to usage of welding fire which “causes damage to their eyes”.
“As we conclude, let us remember that our eyes are precious, and maintaining their health is an investment in our present and future. Let us embark on this journey of loving our eyes at work and beyond. I invite you to affirm, ‘I Love My Eyes’,” she added.