What type of injury does eye protection primarily defend against?

Eye protection is primarily designed to defend against flying particles or chips, which can cause significant injury to the eyes during various tasks such as construction, grinding, or woodworking. These activities often involve tools and materials that can dislodge small pieces, creating the potential for serious impact injuries.

Wearing appropriate eye protection like safety glasses or face shields effectively shields the eyes from these hazards, reducing the risk of vision loss or eye damage from foreign objects.

The other types of injuries mentioned in the options—such as sound-related injuries, heat-related injuries, or repetitive motion injuries—are addressed by different safety measures and equipment. While they are all important considerations in a safety program, they do not directly pertain to eye protection's primary function in safeguarding against mechanical eye hazards.