essay on safety glasses

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• Conjunctivitis - Pink Eye
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Avoid workplace eye injuries by wearing protective eyewear

By Carolyn Barden

Importance of workplace eye protection

Workplace eye injuries impact workers in a variety of industries all over the world. According to the International Labour Organization, around 3.5 million eye injuries occur in the workplace globally each year. In the U.S., around 2,000 American employees suffer work-related eye injuries each day. 

Wearing the proper protective eyewear on the job is the best way to prevent work-related eye injuries. Eye doctors and safety professionals stress that wearing proper eye protection can reduce workplace eye injuries by up to 90% . 

In fact, nearly three-fifths of workers who sustained injuries weren’t wearing eye protection for the task during which they were injured because they didn’t think they needed it . They were wrong.

Jobs that need protective eyewear

Eye protection is especially important in occupations and industries with higher risk of eye injury, including:

Manufacturing

Construction

Plumbing 

Electrical work

Auto repair

Health care, laboratory and janitorial work 

The best type of protective eyewear to use will vary based on the specific situation. 

SEE RELATED: Eye safety basics

Common workplace eye hazards

Different work environments and occupations present their own potential eye injury risks. A few different types of eye injuries include:

Impact injuries – When flying objects such as wood dust particles, metal shavings or certain pieces of equipment get into or strike the eyes

Heat-related injuries – When high-temperature items like sparks, extremely hot air or molten metal splash up into the eyes

Chemical eye damage – When dangerous chemicals or their fumes get into the eyes, resulting in chemical eye burns

Hot steam burns – When certain machinery unexpectedly releases blasts of steam and burns the face and eyes

Optical radiation injuries – When unprotected eyes are damaged by high levels of optical radiation from visible light, ultraviolet radiation from the sun or infrared radiation from lasers 

Mucous membrane exposure – When pathogens and infectious diseases spread through bodily fluids, they can be transmitted through the mucous membranes in the eyes

Protective eyewear can help shield the eyes from various workplace threats and keep them safe while on the job.

How does safety eyewear protect your eyes?

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all protective eye safety devices must meet higher impact resistance standards than your regular everyday glasses. 

OSHA uses standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in three key areas to evaluate the lenses and frames of safety glasses:

High-velocity impact – This measures how well the lens and frame resist the impact of a small object hitting the lens at high speed.

High-mass impact – This determines whether the lens will stay in the frame when struck by a fairly heavy object.

Durability – This tests the frame for corrosion and fire resistance, as well as other important safety factors.

Safety glasses that adhere to ANSI standards are marked as:

Z87 – Frames for basic impact 

Z87+ – Frames that meet requirements for high impact 

Z87-2 – Prescription safety glasses

Types of protective eyewear

Safety eyewear should be worn to protect workers’ eyes from various hazards in working environments. Designs can combine multiple features to address different workplace risks.

The three main types of protective eyewear are:

Safety glasses

Safety goggles.

Face shields 

Other types of eye protection may also be recommended or required, depending on the nature of your work. For example, a welding helmet is a very specialized form of protective eyewear. 

When it comes to protective eyewear, safety glasses are the first level of protection from eye injury. When shopping for safety glasses, keep in mind the different options you may have available to best meet your needs:

Prescription safety glasses – Prescription safety glasses accommodate users who need vision correction. Corrective lens options include single-vision, bifocal or progressive lenses. 

Non-prescription safety glasses – Also called “plano” safety glasses, this option is available for those who don’t need corrective (prescription) lenses.

Safety glasses with side shields – Safety glasses with side shields are especially important if there’s any risk of debris flying near your eyes. Examples include dust, metal shavings, wood particles or flying objects.

People who work in laboratories and other environments with chemical vapor and splash hazards may not get all the eye protection they need from standard safety glasses. Instead, they should wear a pair of well-fitted safety goggles. 

When properly adjusted, the goggles essentially create a seal around your eyes. This allows them to offer a higher degree of protection against both liquid and airborne risks, like chemical splashes and fumes, as well as some types of optical radiation. They should also be impact-resistant. 

Safety goggles have three different types of ventilation to choose from:

Direct ventilated – Air is allowed to flow directly into the goggles.

Indirect ventilated – A covered vent allows ventilation while providing splash protection.

Non-ventilated – The user receives protection from mist, dust, vapors and liquid.

Before purchasing goggles for eye protection, try them on to make sure the face seal remains intact during wear. 

SEE RELATED: COVID goggles: Do you need coronavirus eye protection?

Face shields

A quality face shield offers full-face protection against bloodborne, chemical or spraying hazards. Made from different transparent materials, face shields are available in varied thicknesses to match common workplace tasks and corresponding hazards.

Keep in mind that a face shield isn’t designed to be worn by itself. For maximum benefit, you should wear safety glasses or safety goggles in addition to a face shield. If particles somehow make their way under the shield, the glasses or goggles will still protect your eyes. And, if you lift the shield, your eyes will still be protected from most airborne hazards. 

Specialized eye protection

If you’re a welder or you work with lasers, you may need a helmet or special filters on the lenses of your safety eyewear. Doing so protects your eyes from optical radiation and other dangers. In some cases, different types of protection may be worn together to further enhance eye safety.

Best lens materials for protective eyewear

Top-notch materials and quality construction should result in effective safety eyewear. No matter what type of eye protection your job requires, it’s not a good idea to forfeit quality to save a few bucks. 

Below are the materials most commonly used in safety glasses lenses and other protective eyewear for the most reliable eye protection.

Polycarbonate lenses

Creating quality safety eyewear begins with top-tier lens materials. Polycarbonate lenses are an extremely popular choice because they are:

Lightweight – The material weighs considerably less than glass and regular plastic, so they are typically more comfortable and less likely to slip. 

UV-blocking – Polycarbonate lenses provide 100% UVA-UVB protection to block the sun’s harmful rays. 

Impact-resistant – Reinforced impact resistance against flying particles and other objects makes polycarbonate an effective material for impact safety glasses.

Because polycarbonate lenses are softer than glass lenses, they may scratch more easily — even if a scratch-resistant coating has been applied. As a result, polycarbonate safety glasses may require more careful handling.

Other lens materials  

The following materials are also commonly used in safety eyewear: 

Plastic (CR-39) – Plastic lenses offer good resistance to pitting and solvent contact, and weigh half as much as glass lenses.

Trivex – Trivex lenses offer roughly the same impact resistance as polycarbonate. They have better optical clarity than polycarbonate, but at a significantly higher price.

Hi-Vex – This material offers better impact resistance than CR-39 lenses and comes with many lens coating options.

Choose the right eye protection for you

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for their employees’ eye safety training and practice. Your designated safety officer should refer you to your workplace’s OSHA protective eyewear policy to ensure you and other employees have and use the appropriate gear.

The best way to protect your eyes at work will depend on your situation, whether you should opt for glasses with side shields, specialized eye protection for your specific needs, or safety goggles that fit over your regular glasses. 

Most importantly: 

Wear eye protection. 

Ensure you’re wearing the right eye protection for the task at hand. 

Once you have this covered, you’ll greatly reduce your chances of experiencing a workplace eye injury.

READ MORE: Celebrate Healthy Vision Month

Notes and References

Eye health and the world of work . International Labour Organization. 2023.

Protecting your eyes at work . American Optometric Association. Accessed February 2024.

Workplace eye injuries cost time, money, and vision . EyeSmart . American Academy of Ophthalmology. January 2024.

Workers suffered 18,510 eye-related injuries and illnesses in 2020 . The Economics Daily . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. March 2023.

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020: Current standard for safety glasses . American National Standards Institute. April 2020.

1910.133 Eye and face protection . Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Accessed February 2024.

Page published on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Page updated on Tuesday, February 27, 2024

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What Are Safety Glasses Used For, And When Should Be Worn

Eye injuries can happen anywhere, from the bustling construction site to the quiet of your home workshop. Safety glasses are an indispensable tool that protects your precious eyesight from unexpected hazards.

This blog will uncover everything you need to know about safety glasses. We’ll explore their vital role in protecting your eyes, the diverse scenarios where they’re essential, and how to choose the right pair to keep you safe and seeing clearly. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson, a DIY enthusiast, or someone looking to protect their vision, this guide will arm you with the needed knowledge.

What Are Safety Glasses Used For?

Safety glasses protect the eyes from hazards and prevent injuries in various environments and activities. Here are some primary purposes for which safety glasses are used:

1. Protection from Flying Debris

• Wide range of hazards:  Safety glasses create a physical barrier between your eyes and projectiles of all types, including wood splinters, metal shards, sparks, dust, concrete, and other debris.
• Common environments:  Environments like construction sites, workshops, and manufacturing plants pose high risks from flying debris.
• Injury prevention:  Without safety glasses, these particles can cause everything from minor irritation to severe eye damage, including cuts, puncture wounds, or even blindness.

2. Preventing Chemical Exposure

• Splashes and spills:  Labs, factories, and even homes contain chemicals that can be highly dangerous upon contact with the eyes. Safety glasses prevent direct splashes from reaching your eyes.
• Fumes:  Some chemicals release vapours that irritate, burn, or damage delicate eye tissue. Safety glasses (or, more often, goggles) form a shield to mitigate this risk.
• Types of damage:  Chemical exposure can lead to burns, blindness, and long-term eye health problems.

3. Impact Resistance

• Forceful contact:  Tools slipping, objects falling unexpectedly, or accidental collisions create impact hazards. Safety glasses are made of materials like polycarbonate, which are designed to resist shattering upon impact.
• Preventing blunt trauma:  Even a “light” impact on the eye can have serious consequences. Safety glasses help protect against blunt force trauma that could cause internal damage to the eye.

4. UV Protection

• Invisible but harmful:  Sunlight isn’t the only source of UV radiation; some workplace activities like welding also produce it. Safety glasses with UV protection block these rays.
• Short-term effects:  UV exposure can cause a sunburn-like condition in the eye, which is very painful.
• Long-term damage:  Prolonged UV exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.

5. Preventing Eye Strain

• Glare reduction:  Anti-glare coatings on safety glasses help reduce the distracting and uncomfortable effects of harsh light or glare, aiding focus and visual comfort.
• Screen fatigue:  Tinted lenses on some safety glasses can ease strain if you regularly work with computers or other digital devices.
• Visual clarity:  By reducing strain and improving light management, eye protective gear helps you work more efficiently and safely.

6. Sports and Recreational Safety

• Specific needs:  Sports glasses are often tailored to individual activities, offering specialized impact protection and sometimes features for peripheral vision or light adjustment.
• Eye injuries:  Sports can pose specific risks to your eyes, from fast-moving projectiles to unexpected collisions during play. Safety glasses minimize these.
• Prevention-focused : Sports-specific safety glasses help prevent serious injuries that could have lifelong effects on your vision.

7. Medical and Healthcare Use

• PPE:  Splash-resistant safety glasses or goggles are a core part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) healthcare workers use to prevent contamination from bodily fluids or chemicals.
• Patient and worker safety:  These glasses protect healthcare workers’ eyes and prevent cross-contamination between patients.

8. Preventing Workplace Injuries

• Employer responsibilities:  Many workplaces require safety glasses, governed by standards like OSHA, to create a safe working environment.
• Reducing risk:  Eye injuries are a significant source of lost work time and liability for employers. Safety glasses are essential preventative measures.

9. Enhancing Visual Clarity

• Prescription options:  Many safety glasses are available with prescription lenses so you can maintain proper vision while staying protected.
• Specialized coatings:  Anti-fog, anti-reflective, or other coatings on safety glasses can significantly improve visual clarity in specific environments.

10. Promoting Overall Eye Health

• Prevention is key:  Safety glasses prevent a wide range of issues that could affect your eye health in the short and long term.
• Protection, not treatment:  Injuries can be difficult or impossible to fully recover from. Proactive eye protection is the best way to maintain healthy eyesight for a lifetime.

When Should Safety Glasses Be Worn

Safety glasses should be worn when there is a risk of eye injury from flying particles, debris, chemicals, or other hazards. Here are some specific scenarios where safety glasses are typically required:

1. Industrial Settings

• Factories:  Power tools, heavy machinery, and moving parts create potential hazards like flying metal fragments, wood splinters, and chemical splashes. Safety glasses shield your eyes from these dangers.
• Construction Sites:  Construction involves working with debris, dust, nails, and power tools. Safety glasses protect your eyes from large and small particles that can be propelled with force.
• Workshops:  Similar to the above, workshops frequently involve cutting, grinding, and handling potentially dangerous materials. Eye protection is a non-negotiable.

2. Laboratory Work

• Chemicals:  Lab work often involves handling corrosive, toxic, or reactive chemicals. Even minute chemical splashes can cause severe eye damage, and many chemicals can emit harmful vapours. Safety glasses or goggles provide splash protection and sometimes fume protection.
• Glassware:  Glass beakers, tubes, and other laboratory equipment can shatter unexpectedly. Safety glasses act like a shield, protecting your eyes from fragments.

3. Woodworking

• Sawdust and Wood Chips:  Power saws, sanders, and woodworking tools produce high-speed wood particles and debris. These can cause eye irritation, lacerations, or even more serious damage if they penetrate the eye.

4. Metalworking

• Sparks and Shards:  Welding, grinding and metal fabrication create intense sparks and often propel small metal fragments with force. Safety glasses are designed to withstand this impact, preventing potentially severe eye injuries.

5. Landscaping and Gardening

• Power Tools:  Mowing, trimming, or using a chainsaw can propel rocks, woodchips, or debris at high speeds that could lead to eye injuries.
• Chemicals:  Fertilizers and pesticides contain chemicals that can irritate or harm your eyes. Safety glasses offer a vital layer of protection during application.

6. Sports and Recreational Activities

• Impact Protection:  High-velocity sports like shooting, cycling, skiing, and confident ball sports carry the risk of projectiles or equipment striking the eyes.
• Collisions:  Accidental collisions with other players or equipment can cause unpredictable eye injuries in some sports. Safety glasses designed for sports can mitigate these risks.

7. DIY Home Improvement Projects

• Mechanical Hazards:  Drilling, hammering, sawing, and using power tools to throw particles of wood, metal, drywall, and other materials. Safety glasses safeguard your vision from unexpected projectiles.

8. Medical and Healthcare Settings

• Exposure Risks:  Healthcare professionals handle bodily fluids and potentially infectious materials. Splashproof safety glasses or goggles are essential to prevent eye contamination.

9. Chemical Handling

• Splash Hazards:  Many industrial and household chemicals are corrosive or toxic to the eyes. Safety glasses act as a protective barrier to avoid harm from accidental splashes.
• Fumes:  Certain chemicals can release vapours or fumes that irritate or damage the eyes. Depending on the chemical, safety glasses or goggles designed for fume protection may be necessary.

10. Any Situation with Potential Eye Hazards

• Risk Assessment:  Always take a moment to evaluate any task and identify potential risks to your vision. If there is a chance of projectile, splash, or other hazards, wear safety glasses  before  starting work.

Remember: Your eyesight is precious. Prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences of an eye injury. Make safety glasses your instinctive choice wherever eye protection is needed.

Safety glasses may seem like small equipment, but they are important in safeguarding your vision. Whether tackling a major project or a simple household task, prioritize eye protection. By understanding the risks, choosing the right safety glasses, and making them a habit, you’ll take a proactive step towards preserving your eyesight for years. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when protecting your precious eyes.

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Safety Glasses: The Top 5 Reasons to Wear Safety Glasses

Introduction: Your Eyes' Best Friends on the Job

Picture this: You're on the job, and it's business as usual. But, the unexpected happens—a rogue woodchip, a splash of chemical, or a flash of intense light. Accidents are often just that—unpredictable. That's where safety glasses come in, swooping in like superheroes to guard your eyes against the unforeseen. But what makes them so essential, especially in fields like manufacturing, construction, or healthcare? Let's dive into the top reasons why these protective shields are workplace non-negotiables.

1- A Shield Against the Invisible

Sometimes, what you can't see can hurt you. Especially true in bustling work environments, invisible dangers like dust particles or harmful radiation are ever-present. Safety glasses act as a barrier, keeping those tiny intruders at bay. Recent studies emphasize the high number of eye injuries caused by not wearing any eye protection, with tiny fragments often being the culprit. Keeping those glasses on means you're clued into safety, even against things you can't see.

2- They're Your Workplace's Safety Poster Child

Safety regulations aren't just there for show—they're the distilled wisdom from experts trying to keep everyone out of harm's way. Industries have clear rules about wearing protective gear, and safety glasses are often top of the list. Staying within those guidelines isn't about avoiding trouble; it's about embracing a safety-first mindset. When you strap on those glasses, you're setting a standard, encouraging a culture of caution and care.

3- Saving Your Future Self Some Trouble

Eye injuries can be a real pain, and we're not just talking about a momentary ouch. The fallout can be medical bills, absence from work, or, in severe cases, long-term damage. Safety glasses are like a small investment in your future, helping you sidestep these issues. They're the unsung heroes saving you from hassles nobody wants to deal with.

4- Comfort Counts, Too!

Forget the clunky, one-size-fits-all models of the past. Today's safety glasses are all about variety and comfort, with features designed for almost any work setting. You get to pick from different fits, lens shades, and styles that suit your needs. Comfort matters because the more you like wearing them, the less likely you are to take them off when you shouldn't.

5- Team Spirit, Eye Safety Edition

There's something contagious about good habits. When you make a point of wearing your safety glasses, it doesn't go unnoticed. Colleagues pick up on these cues, and before you know it, it's part of the team's routine. It's team spirit in action, but for eye safety!

Finding Your Perfect Pair: Tips and Tricks

Choosing safety glasses isn't rocket science, but a little know-how goes a long way. Here are some pointers:

- Know Your Risks:

Different jobs have different hazards. Know what you need protection from—be it dust, chemicals, or bright light.

- Look for the Mark of Quality:

Go for safety glasses that meet established standards. It's like a safety guarantee.

- Fit Matters:

Find glasses that sit well on your face. You're more likely to keep them on when they're comfy.

- Extra Features Can Be a Game-Changer:

Think about lens coatings for different light conditions, or vented frames for better airflow.

- Style Isn't Just About Looks:

If you like how you look in your safety glasses, you're really going to wear them!

Conclusion: Seeing the Bigger Picture with Eye Safety

Safety glasses do more than protect your eyes—they're a statement that you're serious about safety. They're a crucial part of staying healthy and injury-free on the job. And with the wide variety available today, finding your perfect pair has never been easier.

Ready to take the next step in workplace safety? Our safety glasses page is a great place to start. It's stocked with a range of safety glasses suited for any and all work environments. Make the smart move—invest in a sturdy pair today and make eye safety a routine, not an afterthought. Because when it comes to your eyes, there's no such thing as being too careful!

- What is the difference between safety glasses and sunglasses?

Safety glasses are distinct from regular sunglasses due to their enhanced protective features, which include side shields that prevent debris or other hazardous particles from accessing the eyes through the periphery. These shields can be positioned on the sides, top, or bottom, offering comprehensive protection beyond the primary lens area. Unlike sunglasses, which primarily guard against sunlight and UV rays, safety glasses provide a robust defense against environmental risks that are common in various work settings or during specific outdoor activities. For instance, in certain regions, enthusiasts of activities like skiing might opt for glasses equipped with leather side shields for additional protection, but these do not substitute for the comprehensive safety standards fulfilled by safety glasses. For optimal eye safety, especially in environments prone to flying debris or exposure to harmful substances, choosing dedicated safety glasses over conventional sunglasses is crucial.

- Can I use sunglasses as safety glasses?

While sunglasses serve as a barrier against the sun's glare and UV rays, they do not meet the stringent criteria set for safety glasses. Certified safety eyewear must pass specific SAI Global tests to ensure they can effectively shield your eyes from hazards like airborne particles or chemical exposures. Sunglasses, even those built sturdily, haven't undergone this rigorous testing process and lack the necessary design elements, such as robust side shields and shatter-resistant lenses, critical for occupational safety scenarios. Therefore, relying on sunglasses for comprehensive eye protection in a work environment or during activities with potential eye hazards is not advisable, as they're primarily fashioned for sun defense or aesthetic appeal.

- Do safety glasses have UV protection?

Yes, safety glasses offer an essential level of UV protection due to their polycarbonate material, inherently blocking 99.9% of UV radiation. This protection is present even in clear safety glasses, safeguarding your eyes effectively against harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, they are designed to be worn comfortably over prescription eyewear, ensuring comprehensive UV defense and visual clarity for all users in varying work conditions. This feature underscores the versatility and protective capability of safety eyewear in both indoor and outdoor environments, contributing to overall eye health and safety.

- Why do I get dizzy when I wear safety glasses?

Experiencing dizziness while adapting to new safety glasses is not uncommon, especially for individuals who don't regularly wear eyewear. Manufacturers of safety glasses must meet stringent standards for optical clarity and construction, ensuring a high level of protection. However, this can sometimes lead to initial discomfort or visual distortion for new wearers, often manifesting as dizziness. It's typically a matter of adjustment, and most individuals find that this sensation subsides after a day or so as they become acclimated to the feel and optical characteristics of the safety eyewear. Consistent wear helps in hastening this adjustment period, allowing your vision and comfort level to normalize to the protective enhancements of your new safety glasses.

- Do safety glasses protect from lasers?

Safety glasses specifically engineered for laser protection are crucial in environments where exposure to laser radiation occurs. These specialized glasses safeguard the eyes by either absorbing or reflecting laser light, contingent on the unique wavelengths emitted by the lasers in use. Standard safety glasses may not offer adequate protection against lasers as they are not designed to handle the concentrated intensity of laser light. For optimal eye safety during laser exposure, it's imperative to utilize laser safety goggles or glasses, which serve as an indispensable component of personal protective equipment in these specific scenarios. These glasses are tailored to prevent harmful laser radiation from damaging the delicate structures of the eye, thereby maintaining your visual health in technologically advanced work settings.

- How long should safety glasses be worn?

Safety glasses are essential protective gear designed to shield your eyes during exposure to potential hazards such as harmful particles, aggressive chemicals, UV light, sparks, or debris. Their use is not dictated by time but rather by environmental risk. If your daily activities involve continuous exposure to such risks — commonly found in fields like construction, manufacturing, or laboratory work — it's prudent to wear safety glasses throughout the entirety of your workday. By doing so, you ensure consistent protection, mitigating the risk of ocular injury or long-term eye health issues. Remember, the key to effective use of safety eyewear is consistent and proper wear, aligned with the specific threats of your work or task environment.

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Protecting your eyes at work

Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that every day about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment. However, safety experts and eye doctors believe the right eye protection can lessen the severity or even prevent 90% of these eye injuries.

In addition, health care workers, laboratory and janitorial staff, and other workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases from eye exposure. Some infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye. This can occur through direct contact with splashes of blood, respiratory droplets generated during coughing, or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects.

Workers experience eye injuries on the job for two major reasons:

• They were not wearing proper eye protection.
• They were wearing the wrong kind of protection for the job.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of workers who suffered eye injuries revealed that nearly three out of five were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. These workers most often reported that they believed protection was not required for the situation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workers to use eye and face protection whenever there is a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented by such equipment. Personal protective eyewear, such as goggles, face shields, safety glasses or full face respirators must be used when an eye hazard exists. The necessary eye protection depends upon the type of hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used and individual vision needs.

What are the potential eye hazards at work?

Workplace eye protection is needed when the following potential eye hazards are present:

• Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles).
• Chemicals (splashes and fumes).
• Radiation (especially visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation, and lasers).
• Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids.

Some working conditions include multiple eye hazards. The proper eye protection takes all hazards into account.

March is Save Your Vision Month and the American Optometric Association is working to educate both employers and employees about how to avoid digital eye strain in the workplace. To help alleviate digital eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule; take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

View helpful infographics about the 20-20-20 rule and digital eye strain .

Occupations with a high risk for eye injuries include:

The type of safety eye protection you should wear depends on the hazards in your workplace:

• If you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects or dust, you must at least wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields).
• If you are working with chemicals, you must wear goggles.
• If you are working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers or fiber optics) you must use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets designed for that task.

Know the requirements for your work environment. Side shields placed on your conventional (dress) glasses do not provide enough protection to meet the OSHA requirement for many work environments.

In addition, employers need to take steps to make the work environment as safe as possible. This includes:

• Conducting an eye hazard assessment of the workplace
• Removing or reducing eye hazards where possible
• Providing appropriate safety eyewear and requiring employees to wear it

Your doctor of optometry can assist your employer and you in evaluating potential eye hazards in your workplace and determining what type of eye protection may be needed.

How can I protect my eyes from injury?

There are four things you can do to protect your eyes from injury:

• Know the eye safety dangers at your work.
• Eliminate hazards before starting work by using machine guards, work screens or other engineering controls.
• Use proper eye protection.
• Keep your safety eyewear in good condition and have it replaced if it becomes damaged.

• Nonprescription and prescription safety glasses. Although safety glasses may look like normal dress eyewear, they are designed to provide significantly more eye protection. The lenses and frames are much stronger than regular eyeglasses. Safety glasses must meet standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Look for the Z87 mark on the lens or frame. Safety glasses provide eye protection for general working conditions where there may be dust, chips or flying particles. Side shields and wraparound-style safety glasses can provide additional side protection. Safety lenses are available in plastic, polycarbonate and Trivex ™ materials. While all four types must meet or exceed the minimum requirements for protecting your eyes, polycarbonate lenses provide the highest level of protection from impact.
• Goggles. Goggles provide protection from impact, dust and chemical splash. Like safety glasses, safety goggles are highly impact-resistant. In addition, they provide a secure shield around the entire eye and protect against hazards coming from any direction. Goggles can be worn over prescription glasses and contact lenses.
• F ace shields and helmets. Full face shields protect workers exposed to chemicals, heat or blood-borne pathogens. Helmets are used for welding or working with molten materials. Face shields and helmets should not be the only protective eyewear. They need to be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles, so the eyes are protected when the shield is lifted.
• S pecial protection. Helmets or goggles with special filters to protect the eyes from optical radiation exposure should be used for welding or working with lasers.

Safety glasses must fit properly to provide adequate protection. Also, eye protection devices must be properly maintained. Scratched and dirty devices reduce vision, cause glare and may contribute to accidents.

Combined with machine guards, screened or divided work stations, and other engineering controls, using the correct protective eyewear can help keep you safe from any type of eye hazard.

Can contact lenses be worn safely for industrial jobs?

Contact lenses can't provide significant protection from eye hazards in the workplace. However, there is no evidence that wearing contact lenses increases the risk of eye injury.

Contact lenses may actually increase worker safety and productivity because they often provide improved vision in the workplace. Individuals who wear contact lenses usually have a wider field of vision than with eyeglasses. They also often have less visual distortion, especially with higher power lens prescriptions. In addition, wearing contact lenses instead of eyeglasses can improve the fit and comfort of eye safety equipment, such as goggles and full-face respirators.

The American Optometric Association believes workers should be permitted to wear contact lenses in most eye-hazardous environments. However, these workers must wear eye protection over contact lenses according to the requirements for all workers performing the same job.

In some cases, such as when hazardous chemical fumes are present, the safety of contact lenses may need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Check your employer's safety policy regarding the wearing of contact lenses. Your doctor of optometry can help your employer and you determine whether you can safely wear contact lenses in your workplace.

What should be done in an eye emergency?

First aid for chemicals in the eye:

• Immediately flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Place the eye under a faucet or shower, use a garden hose, or pour water into the eye from a clean container.
• If you are wearing contact lenses, immediately remove them before flushing the eye.
• Do not try to neutralize the chemical with other substances.
• Do not bandage the eye.
• Seek immediate medical attention after flushing.

First aid for particles in the eye:

• Do not rub the eye.
• Try to let your tears wash the speck out, or irrigate the eye with an artificial tear solution.
• Try lifting the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower eyelid to remove the particle.
• If the particle does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly and seek medical care. Some particles, particularly metallic ones, can cause rusting spots on the eye if left untreated for several days. If you are unsure if the object is gone, do not delay medical care.

First aid for blows to the eye:

• Gently apply a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Crushed ice in a plastic bag can be placed gently on the injured eye to reduce pain and swelling.
• In cases of severe pain or reduced vision, seek immediate medical care.

First aid for cuts and punctures to the eye or eyelid:

• Do not wash out the eye.
• Do not attempt to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
• Cover the eye with a rigid shield, like the bottom half of a paper cup.
• Seek immediate medical care.

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10 Vital Reasons To Wear Safety Glasses

Safety glasses protect your eyes from imminent danger, but if you don’t perceive the dangers as real threats, you’re probably not wearing them. 

At Stoggles , we don’t just make amazing safety glasses; we wear them, too. Let’s talk about the real dangers your eyes are exposed to and how you can protect your eyes from damage by donning a pair of the world’s most comfortable (and, we’d argue, iconic ) safety glasses.

Your Eyes at a Glance

Your eyes are complex, and unlike other really important parts of your body, they’re left virtually unprotected. While your brain is encased in your skull and your heart behind your ribcage, your eyes are protected by a thin membrane, flaps of skin that open and close, and a few hairs (eyelashes). 

The anatomy of the eye enables us to see, but it also leaves us vulnerable to eye irritation and injury. Also, the eye is one of those things in the human that, if damaged, can’t be replaced. The importance of that cannot be stressed enough. 

The cornea is the dome-shaped cover that protects your eyes. Behind your lids, lashes, and conjunctiva, it is the first line of defense that keeps your eyes protected against external stressors. Because the cornea is on the outside of your eye, it’s common for it to become irritated or even infected.

The conjunctiva, the paper-thin covering over the cornea, often becomes irritated, resulting in conjunctivitis. 

Iris and Lens

The iris and lens are the parts of your eye that collect light. They capture light and focus it directly onto the retina in the back of your eye. 

The retina is where vision happens. The retina is home to retinal cells and the macula , which is a structure in your eye responsible for detailed vision. 

When the retina receives light from the lens and iris, the retinal cells transmit the data to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain then interprets what we see, resulting in our vision. 

Retinal Cells

An interesting fact about retinal cells is they don’t regenerate. That means if they’re damaged, a portion (or even all) of your vision can be lost. Because retinal cells are limited, it’s important to protect them as much as possible, even if you think you aren’t at risk of damaging them. 

How Common Are Eye Injuries?

No one wakes up with an eye injury on the agenda, but the fact is they’re really common. With over 2.5 million eye injuries occurring worldwide, 50,000 of these result in partial or permanent vision loss . There’s a risk to your eyes when performing even common household tasks.

• Two thousand eye-related injuries per day happen on the job, with about one-third of those injuries resulting in hospital visits and over 100 causing time off from work. 
• Nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home.
• 40% of eye injuries happen as the result of involvement in sports or recreational activities . 

These are some seriously sobering statistics, but the good news is that 90% of all eye injuries are completely preventable with protective eyewear . Eye injuries aren’t a matter of “if” but more of a matter of “when.” 

If you aren’t wearing safety eyewear, it’s time to start. 

10 (Not So Common) Reasons Why You Should Be Wearing Safety Glasses

If the statistics don’t convince you that your eyes need protection, these ten reasons will. 

1. Eye Sensitivity

Ever feel like your eyes are tired, weak, strained, fatigued, itchy, watery, or just plain uncomfortable? You probably deal with eye sensitivity. If you sit behind a computer (or scroll endlessly on social media), blue light sensitivity can make your eyes uncomfortable and even result in headaches. 

Eye sensitivity can be reduced simply by wearing glasses that block out blue light. Most users notice a significant reduction in the level of eye sensitivity they experience after protecting their eyes with blue-light-blocking safety glasses. 

2. Allergies

If you’ve got them, you know how difficult it can be to deal with allergies, especially if they affect your vision. Itching, watering, burning, and the occasional development of infections can make it hard to see. 

Safety glasses create a unique barrier between your eyes and the outside world by offering both side and top shields. These shields prevent pollen, pollution, and other external irritants from making their way into your eyes.

Safety glasses are unique in helping you avoid both seasonal and perennial allergies . 

• Seasonal allergies: These types of allergens usually refer to plants that bloom in season, producing pollen that can irritate your eyes. 
• Perennial allergies: Perennial allergens refer to allergies that can affect your eyes year-round, like pet dander or cigarette smoke. 

Wearing safety glasses when you know you’ll be exposed to allergens can dramatically reduce your discomfort and help you see more clearly. 

3. UV Exposure

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are damaging not just to your skin but also to your eyes. UV damage can cause the cornea to burn, resulting in a condition called photokeratitis. Light reflected off of surfaces like water and snow can also damage your eyes.

Wearing safety glasses with UV-blocking lenses protects your eyes when you’re exposed to ultraviolet rays . Just a side note: the darkness or shading of your glasses doesn’t necessarily correlate to their UV protection. 

Stoggles, for instance, are crystal clear but made from polycarbonate, a material that is naturally UV-blocking . Do you need protection from UV light on cloudy days? Yes. Which is why that crystal clear material is a win. UVA rays penetrate through glass , so protecting your eyes while you’re indoors working by windows or in a plane or car is also important. 

Stoggles Dimmers™ come with light-responsive lenses that really help cut down the bright sunlight and the material protects from harmful UV rays. It’s a bright solution to a way-too-bright problem. 

4. Strike Risk

If you’ve ever made a mistake during a home improvement project or watched your lawnmower skip a rock across your yard at lightning speed , you’re fully acquainted with the risk to your vision, whether you realize it or not. 

Anytime you’re involved in an activity that results in fragments, shards, or particles, there’s a potential for those materials to strike your eye. Even the most mundane activities can result in eye injury. 

Safety glasses protect your eyes from strikes and impact. Unlike your regular glasses or sunglasses, safety glasses have been tested to ensure they don’t shatter or break on contact. 

All Stoggles safety eyewear are ANSI Z87.1-2020 certified , the industry standard for impact resistance and shatter-proof safety. 

Whether you’re golfing, biking, or playing racquetball, there is a chance of eye injury. Nothing can take you out of the game quicker than sustaining an injury, and if that injury is related to your vision, the damage could be permanent. 

No one wants to wear personal protective equipment that isn’t comfortable or interferes with your ability to play properly. That’s why Stoggles are lightweight, streamlined, and supremely wearable no matter what activity you’re participating in. 

You don’t want to show up for a Saturday bike ride with your besties looking like you might have brought your favorite power tool along — and that’s the vibe we get with traditional safety glasses. But Stoggles are so fashionable, low-profile, and comfortable that you’ll look cool and be safe while mountain biking and getting brunch after.

You read that right. The kitchen is riskier than you might think. OSHA might not be monitoring you while you make dinner, but that doesn’t mean their general workplace safety tips aren’t fire. 

Boiling water, oil splatters, and even cutting onions can pose a risk to your eyes. Even if you wear your eye protection only while chopping your sweet Vidalias onions , you’ll save yourself a lot of tears and tissues. If you accidentally splash hot grease in your eyes, you could literally blind yourself or cause a retinal burn that takes weeks to heal and requires medical treatment. 

Play it safe, wear eye protection when you’re in the kitchen, and to look good doing it, Stoggles is, of course, your go-to solution. 

Even if your employer doesn’t require you to wear proper eye protection, there could be potential hazards in your work environment. Workplace eye injuries are common , and you might not be aware of all the risks to your eye health. 

Sitting at a computer all day can expose you to blue light, and your regular eyeglasses probably don’t protect you from it. In addition, there are other work environments that might not seem like they pose a threat to your eyes when they do. Ask any preschool teacher if they’ve ever been jabbed in the eye with a crayon or taken a rogue toy to the temple, and they’ll probably say yes. 

Safety eyewear protects you from these hazards, and with the types of eye protection offered by Stoggles, you can retain your style and protect your eyes at the same time. 

8. Gardening

Gardening requires arduous work , complete with weed-pulling, exposure to heat and sun, and potentially threatening foliage. Safety specs are essential for ensuring your eyes are safe while you tame your tiger lilies and prune your boxwoods. 

9. Cleaning

When you think of chemical splash, you think of scientists feverishly mixing beakers of fluids together in a lab. When we think of chemical splash, we picture the everyday person cleaning their shower with a mold-eating chemical that could seriously damage their eyes. 

Household cleaning products can splash and splatter in your eyes when you’re cleaning, and protecting yourself is as easy as popping on your at-home PPE. Don’t have at-home PPE? Stoggles can help. Not just any old pair of safety glasses will do.

Our Stoggles have top and side shields to protect your eyes on every front so that bleach-water isn’t going anywhere near your eyes.

10. Because Your Regular Eyewear Doesn’t Protect Your Eyes 

If you wear prescription eyewear, you might rely on them to keep your eyes safe, but that’s a mistake. Prescription lenses aren’t created to withstand high impact and usually don’t have the safety features you need. Don’t worry: You don’t have to wear safety glasses over your corrective lenses. If you need prescription safety glasses, you should have them. 

Stoggles make it easy. Simply upload your script to our website, and we’ll take care of the rest, sending you a custom-made pair of Stoggles that helps correct your vision too. Oh, and did we mention that Stoggles are shatter-proof and ANSI Z87 certified, ensuring your Rx lenses can withstand high impact? You don’t break under pressure, and your eyewear shouldn’t either!

Not Just Any Safety Glasses: Get Stoggles

You know the risks and the reasons why, but let’s face it. Historically, safety glasses haven’t held the spotlight for the height of fashionable accessories. Lucky for you, times have changed. Stoggles exist to bring together style and safety because if you don’t feel great in your safety glasses, you probably aren’t going to wear them. 

In the past, taking care of our eyes has been about as exciting as watching paint dry. It just hasn't been at the forefront of our minds, and let's face it, the solutions available have been about as fashionable as a pair of Crocs. 

That's where Stoggles comes in. We're on a mission to bridge the gap between style and protection. 

We believe that eyewear should be protective by design, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. We're here to make eye protection feel normal and natural, like slipping on your favorite pair of shades. So, whether you're hammering nails or simply walking down the street, we want you to feel confident and protected, without compromising on style. Makes sense, right?

Available in tons of different frame shapes , two different frame sizes, and numerous color options, Stoggles gives you the ability to protect your eyes and your stylistic reputation. You never need to feel like a middle school biology student when protecting your eyes.

The risk to your eyes is real, and it’s important to protect your vision. Stoggles give you the safety you need with the wearability you love. 

Anatomy of the Eye | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Eye Safety | NIOSH | CDC

Emergency Department Visits Related to Eye Injuries, 2008 | HCUP

Eye Injury Prevention | American Academy of Ophthalmology

1910.133 - Eye and face protection. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A Surprising Danger in Planes, Trains and Automobiles | Skin Cancer Foundation

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Eye Protection Gear and Equipment

Learn more about common eye hazards and how to best protect your eyes at work.

What is Eye Protection Equipment?

Eye protection equipment is a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) meant for shielding your eyes and parts of your head. These are often used when conducting work with hazards to the eyes. Some jobs where eye protection is necessary include welding, chemical testing, manufacturing, and those that involve electrical wiring.

What is the Importance of Eye Protection Equipment?

Our eyes are delicate organs that require proper care and protection, as they are some of the most sensitive parts of our bodies. Thus, wearing the right eye protection PPE is essential to working safely. By wearing the appropriate eye protection gear, we can effectively shield our eyes from potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.

The main purpose of wearing eye protection is to prevent eye injuries and permanent eye damage. Specifically, they protect you by doing the following :

• Reducing the effect of glare from overly bright work tasks or flashes of light
• Avoiding allergens and irritants from entering the eyes
• Shielding your eyes from particles that can hurt you
• Keeping your eyes focused on the task at hand, which can reduce the likelihood of other mishaps
• Preventing chemical burns in the eyes and the skin around it

In many countries, wearing eye protection is also a legal requirement for certain jobs that deal with multiple eye hazards, such as those involved in laboratories, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and welding. If an employer is found not enforcing these legal requirements properly, they can be punished by law. 

Some countries with specific laws and regulations on the proper wearing of eye protection include:

Most Common Eye Hazards

Some of the most common eye hazards that wearing eye protection gear can help you with include the following :

• Corrosive and chemical items
• Radioactive materials 
• Biological hazards in any form
• High-intensity light sources such as those from lasers, welding , brazing, cutting, furnaces, and heat-treating materials
• Machinery that performs tasks such as cutting, grinding, polishing, and others that generate particles and dust
• Electrical hazards
• Liquids that are easy to splash and create a mess from
• Excessive heat, dust, light, UV rays, and glare

Types of Eye Protection

The most used kinds of eye protection can be divided into three types : safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields. Here is a quick overview of each one for reference: 

Safety Glasses

This is the most common type of eye protection equipment as it is used in almost all industries in different forms. Compared to typical glasses, safety glasses are made with more durable materials that can withstand more wear and tear, as well as extreme changes in weather conditions, work conditions, and the like. 

Safety Goggles

This type of eye protection works similarly to safety glasses and sometimes gets mistaken for it. However, safety goggles are considered to be more durable and provide more protection from hazards such as harsh chemical spills, uncontrollable flying debris, and harmful vapors or mists. 

Safety goggles come in two kinds:

• Vented safety goggles : For protection against liquids, vapors, and mists with little to moderate danger
• Non-vented safety goggles : For protection against liquids, vapors, mists, and other hazards that must not touch the eye or skin at all costs

Face Shields

This type of eye protection provides the most protection to the face and eyes. However, it should not be used alone. Face shields are to be used with safety glasses or goggles underneath, serving as additional protection by catching any debris, liquid, or particles that may splash elsewhere on the face. 

Protect Your Eyes with Help from SafetyCulture

Why use safetyculture.

Manage your eye protection gear, eye hazards, and more with a digital solution such as SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) . SafetyCulture is a mobile-ready software that can help you streamline your eye protection practices through risk assessments, hazard audits, issue reporting, and more. Reduce risks, report hazards, and protect your workplace all in one place, anytime and anywhere.

To get started, you can download eye protection and other workplace safety checklists from the Public Library and use them to create risk assessments, hazard, and incident reports. After this, you can use these forms anytime as needed, ensuring that all eye hazards and safety concerns are recorded and addressed as they happen.

SafetyCulture is also a multifunctional safety solution that lets you do the following:

• Report issues and hazards and create corrective actions for them
• Inform your team or organization about these risks immediately by raising a Heads Up
• Train employees on proper eye safety and PPE practices through the app on a schedule that works for all
• Manage and track your eye protection equipment through Assets
• Generate analytical reports and export them to those in your organization and others outside it for legal compliance
• Purchase eye protection gear through SafetyCulture Marketplace
• Monitor lone workers with SHEQSY by SafetyCulture

Roselin Manawis

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Home » The Complete Guide to Safety Glasses: Types, Features, and Applications

Post: The Complete Guide to Safety Glasses: Types, Features, and Applications

The complete guide to safety glasses: types, features, and applications.

Safety glasses play a pivotal role in safeguarding our most precious sense—our eyes. In diverse industries and everyday life, the need for reliable eye protection cannot be overstated. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of general safety glasses, exploring their types, features, applications, and why they are an indispensable part of our safety arsenal.

THE VITAL ROLE OF GENERAL SAFETY GLASSES

Our eyes are exposed to numerous hazards daily, ranging from flying debris and chemicals to harmful UV rays. General safety glasses are designed to shield your eyes from these potential dangers, preventing injuries and maintaining optimal eye health.

Safety glasses come in various forms to cater to different needs. Here are the primary types:

General-Purpose Safety Glasses

General-purpose safety glasses are versatile and suitable for a wide range of tasks. They are a fundamental choice for daily eye protection.

Safety Glasses 15011

Safety goggles.

Safety goggles provide a sealed barrier around the eyes, offering enhanced protection against chemical splashes, dust, and debris. They are ideal for laboratory work and environments with airborne particles.

Safety Goggles RK2

Wraparound safety glasses.

Wraparound safety glasses provide additional coverage around the sides of the eyes, offering comprehensive protection. They are a popular choice in construction and outdoor activities.

Safety Glasses T9603

Frame styles for comfort and protection​.

FULL-RIMMED FRAME

Full-rimmed safety glasses offer maximum protection by encircling the lenses entirely. They are suitable for high-risk environments where debris or particles may come from any direction.

SEMI-RIMLESS FRAME

Semi-rimless safety glasses provide a balance between protection and aesthetics. They have a partial frame on the top, allowing for a broader field of vision.

RIMLESS DESIGNS AND GOGGLES

Rimless safety glasses and goggles are ideal for tasks that require unobstructed vision. Goggles provide complete coverage and are perfect for situations where splashes and airborne particles are a concern.

Safety Glasses D05

Safety Glasses T9538S

Safety Glasses Warden

MEETING INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Safety is paramount, and safety glasses must adhere to industry standards. Look for certifications such as ANSI Z87, which ensure that your safety glasses meet rigorous safety requirements. These certifications guarantee that your eyewear can withstand impact and provide adequate protection.

APPLICATIONS ACROSS INDUSTRIES

General safety glasses find applications in numerous industries and settings:

Construction: Protecting the eyes from dust, debris, and potential impacts.

Manufacturing: Guarding against industrial materials, sparks, and chemicals.

Healthcare: Shielding against infectious agents, bloodborne pathogens, and chemicals.

Laboratories: Preventing chemical splashes, fumes, and airborne particles.

Outdoor Activities: Safeguarding against outdoor elements during sports and recreational pursuits.

IN CONCLUSION

Safety glasses are not just an accessory; they are a necessity. They protect our eyes from an array of potential dangers, ensuring that we can work and enjoy our lives with confidence. By choosing the right type of safety glasses at Phillips Safety, you can prioritize eye protection and reduce the risk of injuries. Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable—guard them with the right safety glasses.

If you still aren’t sure which safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at [email protected]

Our experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application., contact our customer service.

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11 Facts About Safety Glasses & Eyewear You Never Knew (2024 Update)

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

Whether you are looking into safety glasses for the first time or need evidence to back up your workplace safety presentation, you’ve come to the right place.

Safety glasses and eyewear prevent tons of eye injuries each year, and they could prevent millions more if more people wore them when they should. We dedicated this guide to safety glasses and eyewear facts, and we hope that it’ll convince you to wear your safety glasses the next time that you complete a hazardous task!

Facts About Safety Glasses and Eyewear

• 1. Each Day, 2,000 Workers Injure Their Eyes

Eye injuries at work are common. According to the CDC, on average, 2,000 workers injure their eyes each day. Those injuries add up to many missed workdays, higher insurance costs, and permanent eye damage!

• 2. Most Eye Injuries Occur From Objects Striking or Scraping the Eye

While many eye injuries occur each day in different environments, the CDC states that most of these injuries occur from objects striking or scraping the eye. These are prime candidates for instances where safety glasses and eyewear could make a difference and protect your eyes!

• 3. 10% to 20%% of Workplace Eye Injuries Cause Temporary or Permanent Vision Loss

The Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN) helps put into context what all those eye injuries mean. With 2,000 eye injuries a day and 10% to 20% of those injuries leading to temporary or permanent vision loss, that means between 73,000 and 146,000 eye injuries that lead to temporary or permanent vision loss occur each year.

• 4. Proper Safety Eyewear Can Prevent 90% of Eye Injuries

The good news is that according to the ISHN, proper safety eyewear can prevent 90% of eye injuries. Not only does this include eye injuries that can occur at work, but it also encompasses other situations where you should be wearing safety eyewear!

• 5. 1 Million Americans Have Lost Some of Their Sight Due to an Eye Injury

With all these eye injuries happening each year, it’s no surprise that sometimes an injury lingers. But the fact that 1 million Americans have lost some of their vision due to an eye injury is a staggering number, especially when you consider that close to 90% of them could have saved their vision with the proper safety eyewear.

• 6. Three Out of Five Workers With Eye Injuries Were Not Wearing Eye Protection

According to All About Vision (ALA), 60% of workers who injured their eyes were wearing no eye protection. That means 30% of workers with eye injuries were wearing the wrong eye protection or weren’t wearing their eye protectio n correctly.

• 7. Safety Glasses Must Meet ANSI Standards

When you’re looking at safety glasses, you need to ensure that they meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards. Each pair of safety glasses must pass those standards and get a stamp indicating how much protection they offer.

• 8. Goggles and Face Shields Can Prevent Your Eyes Too

Besides safety glasses and eyewear, goggles and face shields constitute safety eyewear and can protect your eyes. They do a great job of preventing things from getting into your eyes, and they can come impact-resistant rated too.

• 9. 2.4 Million Eye Injuries Occur in the United States Each Year

The ALA tracks that over 2.4 million eye injuries occur each year in the United States. With people wearing proper eyewear, that number could drop all the way down to 240,000 eye injuries each year, meaning almost 2.2 million eye injuries could be completely avoided each year.

• 10. Household Items Cause 125,000 Eye Injuries in the United States Each Year

While we often think about work when it comes to personal protective equipment and eye injuries, according to the ALA, 125,000 people injure their eyes with household items in the United States each year. You need safety eyewear at home too!

• 11. Sports Cause 40,000 Eye Injuries Each Year

40,000 eye injuries occur each year during sporting events, and many of them were likely preventable if people were wearing the proper safety glasses.

• How Effective Are Safety Glasses?

Not only can safety glasses prevent 90% of eye injuries, but high-impact safety glasses also possess the ability to stop objects traveling at a speed of 150 feet per second.

In short, if you wear your safety glasses correctly and when you need to, they’re incredibly effective at preventing eye injuries.

• What Are Safety Glasses Made Of?

While there are a few different materials that manufacturers can use to make safety glasses, the most common material is polycarbonate. It’s lightweight and affordable and provides good optical acuity, and you can put prescriptions in them!

• Can You Wear Safety Glasses Over Regular Glasses?

It depends on the safety glasses . If the safety glasses have a wide edge around the front and this wide edge fits around your prescription glasses and sits flush against your face, they will work just fine.

However, if they don’t have this feature, you cannot wear them over regular glasses. Instead, you must invest in the right pair to get the protection that you need.

Safety glasses prevent millions of injuries each year, so be sure to put them on when you’re doing a hazardous task. It only takes a minor accident for you to become one of these statistics and lose a portion or all of your vision for the rest of your life.

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Table of Contents

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.

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Eye Protection: Going Beyond the Regulations

Go beyond the rules and focus on how safety is viewed in your workplace.

• By Derick Plowden
• Apr 01, 2022

Imagine not seeing family or enjoying special moments with friends and loved ones. That’s the reality of many employees who lose their eyesight due to workplace injuries. According to OSHA, thousands of employees are blinded each year due to workplace eye injuries.

If employees injure their face or eyes, there’s a chance they can cause serious damage and suffer for the rest of their lives. One crucial step you can take to protect employees is communicating the importance of safety in a meaningful way. Go beyond the rules and focus on how safety is viewed in your workplace.

Your Safety Culture  

What’s the safety culture like in your workplace? Employees may be more inclined to wear their eye protection depending on your safety culture. While it may be easier to be the safety police, employees may respond better to a safety culture that expresses appreciation for hard work and rewards safety. The goal is to get employees to wear their eye protection because they want to, not because they have to.

When it comes to eye protection, employees may choose not to wear it because it doesn’t fit well, or it could be that they forget to. In any case, you need to be proactive about tackling the issue without disciplining employees. For example, have employees sit down and write letters to their closest friends and family. Instruct them to write what they’d say to a family member if they were severely injured on the job.

Of course, employees shouldn’t provide the letter to their loved ones. Instead, have them express how they felt during the exercise. The end result: employees will hopefully feel more inclined to use their eye protection.

Here are a few more tips to help you improve eye protection safety in your workplace: 

Reinforcement works. A supervisor who stops work to immediately correct hazardous conditions or practices (like not wearing eye protection) should help demonstrate the importance of safety to the workers. However, positive reinforcement by recognizing safe practices is equally important. 

Stop bad habits right away. A bad habit will likely become more common if left unaddressed, increasing the odds that an employee gets hurt. If you notice employees not wearing eye protection or skipping other safe work procedures, take immediate corrective action. 

Positive feedback. While corrections may be necessary, you do not want all interactions to be negative. Occasionally stop to compliment workers on how well they are following safe procedures. Delivering positive feedback also has a strong influence on promoting desired behaviors. 

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This article originally appeared in the April 2022 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

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Eye Health , Safety

How to encourage employees to wear safety eyewear.

We all know that PPE, such as safety eyewear, is essential for the health and safety of workers in many industries. Unfortunately, many employees still don’t wear safety eyewear even with corporate PPE policies in place for several reasons:

• They cannot see clearly in them.
• The glasses fog up in certain conditions.
• They are uncomfortable, especially if worn for long periods.
• They do not fit properly.

While these may seem like big issues, many don’t know that there is eyewear out there that can solve all of these problems. Workers don’t want to purchase a pair of eyewear that will break easily, scratch on the lens, or fall off because they are too big. When you shop custom for your frame, prescription lens, and any other additional tints or lens coatings, it makes all the difference. SafeVision can help you say goodbye to eye fatigue and discomfort for all employees. Then you can encourage them to wear safety eyewear at work with the help of these tips.

Consistently Enforce Policies

PPE policies are designed for the workplace to minimize hazards. When companies don’t consistently enforce these policies, it can confuse workers to think that not everyone needs to do it. Therefore, most opt-out of the safety precautions. Remind your employees of the PPE policies by:

• Publishing them in the employee handbook.
• Holding educational PPE policy and safety classes.
• Training supervisors on how to consistently and fairly enforce PPE policies.

By ensuring every employee is aware of both old and new policies and why they are in place, they will understand why they should always be wearing the PPE gear.

Educate Employees

It is essential to educate your employees as to why your company has specific PPE policies in place. Making them aware of the benefits, such as UV protection, reducing injuries, or developing cataracts, can show them why they should wear protective eyewear. When employees know why a policy is in place, they are more likely to follow protocol. But if you were to hand them the eyewear, they might not understand the importance of consistently wearing them. Educate your employees in a respectful and meaningful manner.

Lead By Example

When the head of your company doesn’t wear safety eyewear, why would the workers think they should? Having those in charge lead by example and follow all of the safety guidelines will show employees that they should wear their safety eyewear, too. It doesn’t matter what position you are in in the company; everyone should set a good example and encourage others to follow suit to ensure total safety.

Fit Employees For Safety Glasses & Give Them Options

Safety eyewear should never be a one-size-fits-all product. No one face or head is the same, so our eyewear shouldn’t be either. If an employee complains about their eyewear, it is essential that a company listens and addresses the issues. Maybe it is time to consider new eyewear for all your employees that are more fit for their job and personal needs. When you ignore these issues, it can lead to employees not wearing the protective eyewear, putting their safety at risk.

Another reason many workers might not wear safety eyewear is that they think it is too expensive, and they cannot afford a pair that fits their needs. But when they are wearing inferior eyewear, it can lead to eyestrain and other discomforts that will discourage employees from wearing them. Thankfully, SafeVision has a corporate program that makes safety eyewear available and affordable for all. There are multiple frames, lenses, and coating options available, so every employee will have a pair that fits their needs and personal style. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about how SafeVision can help encourage your employees to wear safety eyewear today.

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The Importance of Safety Glasses

Human beings are visual creatures. We use our eyes to interpret the world around us and for most people it is their strongest sense. Accidents that cause vision loss in adults can be crippling because it forces a person to learn a new way to process the world around them. The truth is, most of these accidents are preventable with the proper safety glasses.

Every year more than 2.5 million people suffer eye injuries, and of those nearly 50,000 permanently lose part or all of their vision. These eye injuries can occur anywhere, at work, at home, on a vacation, during a sporting event. Regardless of where an eye injury occurs, it’s important to note that proper protective eye wear can be the difference between enduring an eye injury or avoiding one

Safety glasses  come in many forms, from glasses, to goggles, to tinted sun shades. These forms of protective eye wear are developed for a variety of activities. Some are ideal for indoor job sites, others are better suited for outdoor work, still others are made specifically for sports. No matter what kind of activity you may be engaged in, there is a perfect pair of safety glasses for you

SafetyGear Online offers safety glasses from Edge, Radians and Eva Eyewear. Our glasses are meant to accommodate a variety of individuals and offer professional grade protection for many different activities.

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Protect your eyes while working

Every day, about 2,000 U.S. workers injure their eyes severely enough to need medical treatment, according to NIOSH. With May being Healthy Vision Month, let’s take a look at how workers can protect their eyes.

Why are workers getting eye injuries?

“Workers experience eye injuries on the job for two major reasons,” the American Optometric Association says. “They were not wearing proper eye protection or they were wearing the wrong kind of protection for the job.”

As a result, eyes can get scraped or struck, penetrated, or burned, NIOSH warns. That’s why it’s important to make sure workers are wearing eye protection, such as goggles, faceshields, safety glasses or a full-face respirator.

“Eye protection should be fit to an individual or adjustable to provide appropriate coverage,” the agency says. “It should be comfortable and allow for sufficient peripheral vision.”

Tips for prevention

When it comes to preventing eye injuries in the workplace, NIOSH has the following advice for employers:

• Ensure engineering controls, such as machine guards and work screens, are used.
• Conduct a hazard assessment to determine the appropriate type of eyewear for a given task, and then make sure workers have access to the eyewear.

Need help determining what constitutes “appropriate” eyewear? AOA has recommendations:

• If you’re working in an area that has particles, flying objects or dust: Wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields).
• If you’re working with chemicals: Wear goggles.
• If you’re working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers or fiber optics): Wear special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, faceshields or helmets designed for that task.

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First Aid for Eye Scratches

• Recognizing and Treating Eye Injuries
• Eye Safety During Protests
• First Aid for a Common Target of Wartime Injury: The Eye
• Safety Glasses and Protective Eyewear Prevent Potentially Blinding Eye Injuries
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Protecting your eyes from injury is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life .

Safety Goggles, Visors and Eye Protection

You may be somewhat aware of your possible risks for an eye injury, but are you taking the easiest step of all to prevent 90% of those injuries? Wearing the proper  protective eyewear  greatly reduces your risk of an eye injury and vision loss.

If you are not taking this step, you are not alone. According to a national survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only 35 percent of respondents said they always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance. Even fewer do so while playing sports.

First Aid for Black Eyes, Lacerations and Scratches

If you have an eye injury, review these care and treatment recommendations . Most importantly, see an ophthalmologist or other medical doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor.

Surprising Facts About Eye Injuries

The fifth-annual Eye Injury Snapshot conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma found that:

• Most people believe that eye injuries are most common on the job — especially in factories and on construction sites. But in fact, nearly half of all eye injuries occurred in the home .
• Home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking caused more than 40% of eye injuries. More than a third of those injuries in the home happened in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room or family room.
• More than 40% of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.
• More than 78% of people were not wearing eyewear at the time of injury. Only about 5% of those those who were wearing eyewear (including glasses or contact lenses ), were wearing  safety or sports glasses .

Men should know that they are more likely to get an eye injury than women. 

Sun can damage eyes just like objects, chemicals and dust. Always wear  sunglasses  or sport-appropriate UV-protective goggles, such as ski goggles, when outdoors.

Protests, riots and urban warfare  are increasingly leading to vision-threatening eye injuries around the world.

Protect Your Eyes Before It's Too Late

Whether you're playing organized sports or a pick-up game at home, benefit from Angellia's story . Protect your vision to prevent eye injuries while playing  hockey or other sports. When at work, use protective eyewear in all potentially risky situations to prevent injuries like Jeff's .

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Safety Glasses Essay

The surface finish of the glasses and texture is smooth and polished and the shape of the glasses is suitable to the task. However the overall style and image is unattractive and the aesthetic qualities could be greatly improved. This product is well suited to its purpose as the product is made of a hard material that is not easily broken or shattered. The safety glasses can be adjusted to suit the wearer and are adaptable to all environments in the workshop.

This set of goggles are very attractive and aesthetically pleasing, also they are very well constructed and impact resistant therefore they fit their purpose very well. The head strap is adjustable and made of a flexible comfortable material that moulds to the contours of the wearers head. The design of these goggles is very modern and streamlined. They are nicely shaped and very colourful. The lens is tinted and looks nice as well as helping you’re the view of the wearer when underwater The Freedo race Swimming Goggles have an angled lens which is designed to reduce the head movement of the swimmer.

These swimming goggles have a split silicone strap with a self adjusting nose bridge, to enable the swimmer to fit their swimming goggles properly. Welding lenses are an essential safety feature in the welding industry, where sudden flares and intense light can cause eye damage and irritation. It is important for any welder to learn how to select, maintain and equip welding lenses.

Proficient in: Communication

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

This lens is easily the most effective because of it protection range and its ability to be easily replaced and maintained.

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PaperAp.com. (2019). Safety Glasses Essay . [Online]. Available at: https://paperap.com/paper-on-2664-safety-glasses-analysis/ [Accessed: 16-Sep-2024]

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