subject: Eye Protection for the Workplace [print this page] Eye Protection for the Workplace Eye Protection for the Workplace
With the numerous amounts of employment opportunities out there that can be harmful to the eyes, it may be hard knowing what kind of eye protection needed for your new field. There are a few options for corporate eye care, each with different levels of protection, however, cost tends to go up with ease of mind, so be sure to analyse how much eye coverage you will need. Below is a short list of options and their uses.
Safety Glasses They may look similar to normal spectacles but they have a shield coming off the sides to prevent wayward debris from flying into the eye. The lenses are often made of strengthened glass and are easily adaptable to prescription lenses built straight in. These are good for light manual labour
Eye Shields Usually have more overall coverage than safety spectacles and are solidly built without any frames. As they are bigger, they protect better against stray particles heading for your eyes. Surprisingly, many of them can be cheaper than safety glasses and many fit straight over your prescription glasses.
Goggles Often seen in chemistry labs, these offer maximum protection for those working with materials that can't burn through the toughened glass or plastic. Also relatively cheap, these are a good option, but can be rather uncomfortable as they normally form a seal around the face putting a good amount of pressure on it.
Face Shields This is where it can get very expensive very fast. Face shields are most commonly associated with welders and the like. The protection offered for your eyes is fantastic as it is usually less a face shield and more an entire head shield, however, face only-options are available. Great for metal works, logging, heavy carpentry, etc., face shields can be the difference between near calls and trips to the hospital. Definitely worth the investment if you are in a field where your eyes are under a constant barrage of flying materials.
Often, employers are required to provide some kind of eye protection if there is a consistent threat to your vision. Be sure to check out guidelines and get tested for vision problems early in order to make your work experience as safe as possible. Eye care vouchers can and should be made available to you through the cooperation of local opticians and your employer, however, they normally will not be offered if you do not ask for them, so be sure to claim your benefits.
