A Vision For Safety: Glasses vs. Goggles

Seeing is believing when it comes to assigning the right eye protection. The fact is, 90% of eye injuries are preventable (Source: Prevent Blindness America). Far too often, employees are injured because they weren’t assigned the correct type of eye protection. Keep in mind that workplace eye injuries can reduce the quality of life, and according to OSHA, cost an estimated $300 million a year in lost productivity, medical treatment, and workers’ compensation.

Imagine reporting to an employees’ family that their loved one lost their eyesight due to a work-related incident. While thinking about these types of statistics and scenarios is tough, it’s critical if you’re going to adequately protect your employees. Knowing the key differences between glasses and goggles, before you assign them, is a good place to start.

Safety glasses will protect employees from flying fragments, large chips, sand, and dirt. Unlike safety goggles, glasses can’t fully protect from chemical or material splashes. Some safety glasses are equipped with side shields to provide additional protection around employees’ eyes. Have employees wear safety glasses only while they perform work that involves grinding, woodworking, and masonry. In addition, ensure they wear safety glasses anytime their work activities produce flying particles.

Prescription glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses don’t provide any eye protection, so never use these as a substitute for safety glasses. If employees wear regular glasses, have them use safety glasses that fit over them or wear prescription safety glasses if they have them. Prescription safety glasses are marked on the lens to show they’re ANSI approved.