Ocular trauma in an iron forging industry in the eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Occupational accidents occur in industry worldwide, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is no exception. However, accidents are not routinely analyzed in this country and therefore their extent and types remain unknown. The aim of this study was to calculate the rates of ocular injuries in an iron forging factory in the Eastern Province of the KSA. It also aimed at identifying the main causes of injury and the groups at risk. All ocular and non-ocular injuries that occurred during 1991 were reviewed. Data sources were the company's accident report and the employees' medical files. A total of 193 injuries were reported. Seventy-seven (39.9%) of these affected the eyes. The incident rate for ocular injuries was 111.8 per 1,000 men exposed. The age group 33-42 had the highest prevalence rate (55.8%) and 67.5% of the eye injuries involved employees with job experience of 11 months or less. Use of pneumatic chisels was among the most hazardous activities. Projectile foreign bodies were responsible for 76.6% of the incidents. More than a third of the injured were not wearing eye protection. Avoidable factors, such as negligence, were major contributory factors. A training programme concerning safety has much to commend it, and pneumatic chisels should be replaced by other safer means.