Eye Protection

What Is It?

Eye protection is some sort of protective gear that helps protect the eyes from flying debris, heat, and light, among other things. They typically come in the form of goggles, although they can also be full face shields. Eye goggles are typically mandatory on job sites, especially when working in construction, and in industrial zones and workplaces.

Why Wear It?

Your eyes are extremely important. Obviously, you need them to see, so damaging them in any way could potentially leave you blind for the rest of your life. Eye injuries are very common in the workplace, especially in industrial zones. According to the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), almost 2,000 workers in the United States suffer from job-related eye injuries every day. They also report that over 90% of these injuries could be prevented with proper eye protection. Potential eye hazards include radiation, such as from light or heat, chemicals, from fumes or splashes, bloodborne pathogens, and projectiles, such as wood, metal, concrete, and dust. It is extremely important that you are aware of the eye safety dangers at your work, and eliminate any hazards before you start working. This includes wearing the right kind of eye protection and using any other safety features, such as machine guards. You also want to make sure you keep your safety eye-wear in top condition, and replace it immediately if it becomes damaged. Goggles are ideal to prevent flying debris from getting in your eyes, while full face shields and helmets are preferred if you are exposed to high heat levels or chemicals. Make sure your eye goggles fit properly to ensure the best possible protection. Luckily, you are able to wear your contact lenses under almost all safety goggles, so vision should not be a problem. In some cases, however, such as when hazardous chemical fumes are present, you may need to check with your employer on the safety policy regarding contact lenses.

Drawbacks

There aren’t many drawbacks to wearing safety goggles, and the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Still, safety goggles can restrict your vision, especially your peripheral vision. This can be a safety risk because you may not be able to see a safety hazard. Sweat and other precipitation can also cause your glasses to fog up, which can also significantly reduce visibility. This can also waste time, as you will have to constantly take them off and clean them. Lastly, some goggles can be uncomfortable, and cause pain around your cheeks and forehead. Still, these drawbacks are not worth removing your safety goggles.

Best Brands

There are many different brands of safety goggle, so choosing ones that are perfect for you shouldn’t be that difficult. In fact, most brands have made safety goggles look like regular glasses or even sunglasses, meaning you will look great while staying safe at the same time. Brands like DeWalt, Remington, Peltor, and AOSafety produce some of the best safety goggles on the market. You can typically find safety goggles for as little as $10, although some of the higher end models may cost closer to $40.