Safety Glasses

The Importance of Safety Glasses On The Job Site

No matter what type of construction work an individual does, it is very important to use safety glasses to protect the eyes from flying debris, dust, sand, etc. Protecting one’s eyes are just as important as protecting other parts of the body. The time to wear safety glasses is not after an accident occurs, but before.

Business owners need to stress the importance of wearing safety glasses as well as following other safety related gear. Damage to the eye can result in loss of work, and in the worst case scenario, cause permanent or irreversible damage to the eye. Injuries to the eye can happen at anytime and to anyone.

According to statistics from the Labor Department
-Three out of five victims who sustained eye injuries were not wearing safety glasses.
-Seventy percent were caused by flying particles or sparks.
-Ninety four percent of eye injuries that occurred when the individual was wearing safety glasses were from chemicals and/or particles that went through the space around the eyewear.

Safety glasses are used most often in high danger zones like construction zones, production stations, laboratories and maintenance jobs. The size, shape, types and thickness of safety glasses vary. Depending on the type of work that is being performed determines the thickness that one should use. Glasses for construction workers are generally thicker than glasses that one would use when working in a laboratory or production station. All safety glasses are equipped with an adjustable ratchet that can be adjusted to fit any face frame.

There are several different kinds of safety glasses to choose from:

Clear safety glasses- this is the most common safety glasses. They have shatterproof glass and offer basic protection.
Safety sunglasses- this type of safety glasses is very similar to the clear safety glasses with added UV protection.
Safety over glasses- these are designed to fit over nearly all prescription glasses.
Prescription safety glasses- this kind of safety glasses gives the individual the same eye correction as their regular glasses do with added protection.
Chemical safety glasses- are made with highly durable frames with side shields that protect the eyes.

Employees are the key to keeping any business running and alive, and stressing that all safety regulations are followed is one way of helping keep things running smoothly. Supervisors and team leaders should regularly educate all employees of the proper safety regulations, stressing the importance of wearing safety glasses.

There are a few tips that have been tried and proven to be great motivators to ensure that employees wear their protective gear:

-Reinforce any positive behavior. Consider handing out safety awards at the end of each month in the form of a gift certificate, paid time off, etc.
-Hold regular mandatory meetings that address safety issues, concerns and training.
-Put together a safety team consisting of both upper management and employees to review all safety procedures and safety goals.
-Find a way to establish company pride. (i.e. give out free t-shirts, safety glasses, coffee mugs, etc).
-Management must lead by example. This shows solidarity and makes upper management seem more approachable.

The best way to protect your eyes is by using safety glasses. Whether you are working in a construction zone or using a snow blower, it is always wise to use safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying objects that may damage the eyes.