If a worker gets a chemical in an eye, what is the FIRST action they should take?

The immediate action a worker should take if they get a chemical in their eye is to rinse with water immediately. This is the most critical step because prompt rinsing can significantly reduce the chemical's harmful effects on the eye and minimize potential injury. Flushing the eye helps to dilute and remove the chemical, preventing it from causing deeper damage to the eye's tissues.

While seeking help, going to the eyewash station, or reporting to a supervisor are important steps that should follow, they should not take precedence over the immediate need to rinse the affected eye. The urgency in a chemical exposure incident cannot be overstated, and the first few moments are often crucial for preserving eyesight and preventing long-term damage. Thus, rinsing with water is the first and most important action to take in this scenario.