Work-related eye injuries are a very common occurrence at several workplaces, leading to consequences that can range from minor injuries to severe vision impairment.
However, 90% of such injuries can be prevented by ensuring the workers are provided and are wearing proper eye protection gear.
eye protective equipment
“Grinding and welding are the two most common tasks resulting in an eye injury, according to a 2008 report from Safe Work Australia (SWA). In the case of grinding, 40 percent of cases presented at Victorian Emergency Departments recorded the presence of eye protective equipment”.
That being said, all PPEs are made differently, and designed to cater to the eye protection needs of a particular company. Thus, the ‘one-size fits all’ philosophy doesn’t work when choosing eye protection gear for workers.
Choosing an eyewear
If the wrong product is chosen, workers might be at a higher risk of suffering from eye damage
The decision of which eyewear to choose must not be made in haste. If the wrong product is chosen, workers might be at a higher risk of suffering from eye damage compared to working without safety goggles. Thus, take time, evaluate the different options based on the worker’s requirements, and then make the final decision.
To help, Mallcom mentioned some of the essential factors a business owner should consider before buying safety goggles for their employees.
1. Analyse the potential hazards at the workplace
As discussed above, there are different kinds of safety glasses available in the market. Each of these products serves a different industry, protecting the wearer’s eyes from different kinds of hazards. Take a look at some of the hazards below:
- Mechanical Risks – Injuries caused by particles coming out from machines and tools hitting the cornea
- Radiation – Acute or chronic eye injuries caused by optical radiations generated during welding and other operations
- Temperature – Injuries caused by hot liquids, metal splashes, and intense heat radiation, etc.
- Chemical – Injuries caused by foreign materials such as dust, liquids, gas, chemical splashes, etc.
While making a decision, it is crucial that users consider the hazards relevant to workplace settings and then make the choice. Talk to the safety instructor or supervisor to get a better understanding of the requirement.
Safety goggles
EN 166 certification will ensure that the eyewear has been tested by European standards
Mallcom’s range of safety goggles includes Altair and Avior both of which come with interchangeable lenses, adjustable templates, and removable eyebrow protectors. The detachable frame option and angle adjusting facility make it more versatile for use.
When users are looking for fit-for-purpose eye protection, look out for the CE mark and EN 166 markings. EN 166 certification will ensure that the eyewear has been tested by European standards and possesses the properties required for suitable protection.
N.166:2002 standard
N.166:2002 standard is followed for eye protection for various dangers. This is the minimum standard required certification regarding eyewear in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is the core technical industrial safety norm in Europe for eye protection applying to all types of individual protection of the eye which protects from hazards likely to damage the eye, except for nuclear radiation, x-rays, laser emissions, and infrared emitted by low-temperature sources.
Similarly, All eye protective equipment must comply with the requirements outlined in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard “Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection,“ Z87.1-2010”.
2. Understand the different types and lens materials used
Once users have identified the business-specific eye-safety-related hazards, get acquainted with the different types of safety goggles available in the market, their specifications, and the level of safety they can offer workers and the materials used in making the lenses.
The lenses of safety glasses or goggles are made from different materials such as Polycarbonate, Trivex, Acrylic, etc. Each material has its pros and cons which users must consider to make the right decision.
3. Understanding preferences
Last but not least, understand the preferences of workers when it comes to safety goggles. Factors such as the ones mentioned below influence the level of acceptance and comfort of the wearer.
- Lens Coating: The right lens coating helps maximize the acceptability and functionality of safety goggles. For instance, Anti-Fog Lens Coating is the best choice for workers who are likely to work in a humid environment. Similarly, hard coating makes the lenses more scratch-resistant, and mirror coating amplifies protection against infrared radiation in hot environments.
- Lens Tints: Lens tints play a crucial role in maximizing the protection quotient when working with a high optical radiation risk. The commonly available lens tints are Grey, Amber, Vermilion, Blue, Copper Blue Black, and Green Shades 3.0 and 5.0, and Polarized lenses. Each of these tint options is used for different reasons. For example, safety glasses with blue lenses are great for workers who are constantly working with sodium vapor lighting and excessive glare.
- Alternative for Prescription safety glasses: A lot of people wear prescription glasses due to poor eyesight. Chances are, a lot of the workers wear them too. Although it is not a problem, it is a challenge to find the right safety glasses for such workers. As an employer, they will have to make sure the safety glasses they choose are customized to offer optimum visibility and complete protection for such workers.
- Comfort & Design: Comfort is the topmost factor to consider when buying safety glasses. If the PPEs are not comfortable, the workers are likely to remove them frequently, increasing the chances of injuries. Opt for safety glasses that are designed ergonomically, are lightweight, and offer a high level of comfort, even when worn for extended periods.
As it’s always said, the right defense against potential eye hazards is the best way to keep workplace eye injuries at bay. Following the above-shared guidelines and selecting the right safety goggles for workers will go a long way to ensure a ‘zero-tolerance policy” for eye injuries in the workplace.
