Tag Archives: Eye Protection

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

OCTOBER IS EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

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Having  our eyes serve as  “windows to the world” is one of the most important gifts we have been given.  It is surprising how many accidents happen that affect the way we are able to see the world.  Equally surprising is that about one-half of eye injuries happen at work, while the other half occur at home. 

To avoid injuries in the workplace, here are some suggestions: 

  •          Always wear the appropriate protective eyewear on the job;
  •          Know what the safety dangers at work are;
  •          Eliminate hazards before starting work;
  •          Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls. 

Common causes for eye injuries are: 

  •          Flying objects (bits of metal, glass);
  •          Particles;
  •          Chemicals;
  •          Tools;
  •          Any combination of these,or other hazards. 

The type of safety protection that should be worn depends on the hazards in the workplace.  OSHA has regulations for face and eye protection; employers’ safety directors should determine which type is appropriate to ensure that the job is done safely.  Here are some examples of safety eyewear: 

  •          Sporty Safety Goggles (working with chemicals);
  •          Eyeglasses with side protection (side shields);
  •          Faceshields (working in the medical field, welding, lasers, or fiber obtics);
  •          Safety eyewear should be OSHA-compliant and approved by ANSI.
  •          Safety sunglasses should be UVA and UVB compliant to block strong rays that can damage the eyes. 

Eye injuries can happen at home, too.  When mowing the yard, using a power trimmer or edger, or clipping hedges and bushes, goggles would be a safe bet to protect your eyes.   In the workshop, working around tools, with solvents or other chemicals, or tasks that produce fragments, dust particles or other irritants, glasses with side protection or goggles would be best. 

In the house, there are many ways one can harm their eyes.  Never mix chemicals such as bleach and other common household products.  Many are very harmful and cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.  Foods can spatter hot oil or grease while being cooked.  Even curling irons have been known to cause injuries; just think about how close they are to your eyes and face! Be careful hammering nails into hard surfaces, because they could become projectiles. 

It’s really up to you to be prepared.  At home, keep the right kind of eye protection handy.  It only takes a few seconds to put it on; otherwise, it could take a long time to overcome an injury to your eye or eyes.  Be compliant at work and always wear your safety gear! 

If an injury occurs, see an ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room immediately, even if the eye injury seems minor.  Delaying medical attention can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. 

Source: AAO

Eye Protection

KEY FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT EYE PROTECTION (GUEST POST)

The eye is by far the most essential organ of the body. Being one of the five sense organs, the eye performs the primary function of seeing. To any individual, vision is the essence of life. A wide range of problems and diseases can cause hindrances in clear visibility. Often, it is because of our own shortcomings that we develop various eye problems. Hence, special care should be taken by us in order to protect our eyesight. This article will now render a few useful information and steps that can be followed to have good and healthy eyesight.
1. Avoiding extensive use
Staying up entire night with no sleep at all causes immense pressure on the eyes. Just like the entire human body, the eye as well needs an amount of rest. With a continued pressure on the eyes, it comes vulnerable to any type of vision problems. It is essential to give a rest of at least six hours to our eyes.
2. Sensitive
The layers of skin on the eye are the thinnest. It is needless to say that they are sensitive. Hence special sort of care should be taken to make sure that no sort of physical damage is caused to the eye. In such a case, the covering skin is affected forever and with a less or no layer for protection, the eye faces a lot of problems during its course of action. Therefore, special care should be taken to make sure that no physical damage is caused to the eye.
3. Light resistance
Our eyes are quite sensitive to light with a high intensity. The vision is numbed for quite some time when the eye is exposed to a bright light for a prolonged period. The color distinction property of the eye also suffers on such exposures. Therefore, special eye protecting gear should be made use of in such cases. For example, the use of goggles during experiments in a lab helps in saving the eye from bright radiations.
4. While On The Go
While traveling it is advised not to read books. As during journeys, the body is constantly moving and the focus of the eye has to fix itself constantly. In such a condition if the reader has to put in concentration into the book that he is reading, the pressure on the eye is immense and often results in a headache. Thus special care should be taken during traveling.
5. Computer Usage
Computers are another hazardous source of eyesight degeneration. The bright screen of the computer results into an increased amount of pressure on the eyes of the person who has stick to the screen to operate the computer. It is advised to put vision protection glass coverings on the Monitor of the computer to reduce the pressure on the eyes.
6. Dust Particles
The dust on road is also another factor for which the eye is prone to problems. Dusts often have an undesired chemical effect on the eye fluids and the eye in turn and are harmful for it. It is hence said that wearing glasses or sunglasses while being out in a dry weather is always good for the eye.
7. Cleansing
Also the dirt accumulated in the eye needs to be cleaned. Besides the eye fluid, a certain eye drop is required to be treated into the eyes to clean them. A regular practice of taking such a medical protection is very beneficial for the eye and its protection.
8. Contact Lens
The contact lenses are made from very heat sensitive materials. Any influence of heat melts the lens. It is always risky to stay in a cooking area or any other warm area while with contact lenses on. Various cases of such accidents have proved that the contact lenses on melting can end up making a person lose his eyesight forever.
9. Nuclear Emission
Nuclear radiations are the most harmful elements for the eye. Special lead aprons and eye gear is to be used while performing nuclear reactions or doing any other nuclear elements related jobs.
Therefore, with all said and done it can pretty much be concluded that the eye is prone to various unnoticed and unidentified harmful factors daily. Every little thing that we do involves the eye and the various potent problems that it can face. Hence, extra care should be taken for these problems and it is to be made sure that the eye is kept safe at all costs. After all, a world which cannot be seen is a missing link in the gift of vision.

About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Besides this she is fond of blogging.
Thanks, Kelly,  for reminding us how precious our vision is, and ways to protect it!
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, WHY NOT JUST GO BY THE RULES?

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Not long ago, we talked about keeping protective guards around machinery to keep employees from amputations or other injuries.  In OSHA’s “Quicktakes” for the month of July, it is amazing the amount of money that companies pay for severe violations.  It seems money spent on safety would be more cost-effective, as well as keeping employees safe. 

OSHA fined a stamping products company $426,100, and cited the company for 27 safety and health violations, including one willful violation for failing to report two amputation injuries that occurred at the company’s metal stamping plant in Cleveland.  While operating mechanical power presses in the plant before OSHA’s January inspection, two employees had fingers severed and crushed.  The company was cited for a total of nine willful safety violations, which included failing to train press operators in safe work methods and failing to ensure the flywheel on the mechanical power presses were adequately guarded.  

A willful health violation is one that is committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.  The above company received one willful health violation for the lack of proper chemical hazard communication and training, in addition to twelve serious safety violations.  Those include failing to perform a required workplace hazard assessment, ensure employees had appropriate eye protection, train employees in the use of portable fire extinguishers, conduct performance evaluations for employees who operate powered industrial trucks (fork lifts), complete annual crane inspections, ensure proper machine guarding on the shear, spot welding machines, and mechanical press, and establish die-setting procedures.  They also had four serious safety violations including exposing employees to excessive noise, having improperly stored compressed gas cylinders and allowing various electrical safety hazards.  They have been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.  This mandates targeted follow-up evaluations to ensure compliance with the law. 

A second company was fined $214,830 by OSHA, and cited the company with four safety violations, after two workers suffered amputation injuries at the company’s metal stamping facility.  The company willfully disregarded the law’s requirements by failing to lock out/tag out hazardous energy sources prior to performing maintenance operations and to have point-of-operation guarding on two press brakes that caused the worker amputations in two separate incidents.  They were also cited with a serious violation for failing to use safety blocks when dies were being adjusted and repaired.  Before this inspection, the company had been cited by OSHA for 47 violations since 1988.  They have also been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. 

Workers have the right to go to work and expect to return home intact.  When companies show a blatant disregard for the safety of their workers, they are shirking their responsibility to those who come to perform a job without being in danger.  Hopefully, by being placed in this enforcement program with regular inspections, they will wake up and start paying attention to safety, rather than fines.

OSHA “Quicktakes”

 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PROTECTING OUR YOUTH FROM SPORTS INJURIES

There are two important April observances that we want to focus on today.  One is Sports Eye Safety Month and the other is National Youth Sports Safety Month.  First, in the United States, around 40,000 people suffer sports-related eye injuries annually, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology.  Their recommendation is that all athletes wear appropriate, sports-specific eye protection properly fitted by an eye care professional. 

Adults are urged to choose eyewear that will protect them from injuries while they engage in sports activities.  Eye protection is available for most sports, which include baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, golf, and basketball.  This eyewear will not affect your performance in a game; however it may save your sight.  In most children’s sports leagues, eye protection isn’t mandatory, so it is up to parents to be sure they wear eye protection.  

Because April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, we want to encourage parents to ensure the safety of their children’s choice of sports by checking out sports fields and playgrounds for hazards.  There may be glass, rocks, debris, potholes, and movable soccer goals which are not secured, that could tip over if they are climbed on.  

As many of us have had children/grandchildren involved in sports, this is too good not to share with all of you.   It’s called the  Golden Rule of Coaching: 

  • If athletes are coached with criticism, they learn low self-esteem.
  • If athletes are coached with hostility, they learn to fight.
  • If athletes are coached with ridicule, they learn to withdraw.
  • If athletes are coached with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
  • If athletes are coached with patience, they learn to improve.
  • If athletes are coached with encouragement, they learn confidence.
  • If athletes are coached with praise, they learn to have faith.
  • If athletes are coached with fairness, they learn justice.
  • If athletes are coached with approval, they learn positive self-esteem.
  • If athletes are coached with honesty, they learn to trust.
  • If athletes are coached with modesty, they learn teamwork.
  • If athletes are coached with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in sport. 

We’ve probably all had tough coaches and softer-hearted ones; many times the way they treat their athletes has lasting effects.  Coaches must always keep the safety of their athletes foremost.  They should never take chances that could endanger their team.  Here’s some advice for the young athletes, and is also something  for grown-ups (parents) to remember, too:

  • Have Fun!
  • Remember this is a game designed for enjoyment.
  • Do your best while having a good time!
  • Learning how to play the game is more important than winning and losing.
  • Some kids grow faster and are better coordinated than others, but everyone catches up eventually.
  • Be patient.
  • Who you are as a person does not depend on wins and losses.
  • Treat other athletes and your coaches with respect.
  • Remember, everyone is trying their hardest.
  • Honor the rules of the game.
  • Be a good sport.
  • Support your teammates, be a team player. 
  • There’s no “I” in TEAM.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation encourages parents to support youth safety by calling or writing letters to athletic directors, school boards, and administrators of youth sports programs.  Encourage them as well to take a leadership role in advocating coaching education.  Be sure they have an emergency plan and an immediate first responder in case of injury.  If young people are taught how to participate safely in sports, their experiences and the bonds they make with others will remain with them for a long time. 

Sources: NYSSF, NIH.GOV

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TWO IMPORTANT SAFETY OBSERVANCES FOR MARCH

Heavy winds began in February, so March is definitely coming in “like a lion,” to be sure!   This means that there will be “no burn bans” and many “red flag days”.  Please be sure to heed all warnings during this season.  To begin our March observances, today’s topics are: “Workplace Eyes Health and Safety Month”, as well as “Save Your Vision Month”.  You know how irritating a grain of sand can be when it gets into your eye, especially if you are wearing contacts!  Don’t take a chance on permanent damage to your eyes because you failed to wear the right eye safety protection. 

Because taking care of your eyes is so important, we want to emphasize the fact that three out of five workers who have experienced eye injuries in the workplace were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident, or were wearing the wrong kind.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 2,000 workers each day have job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment.  In addition, OSHA reports that thousands are blinded each year from work related injury that could have been prevented.  Read my lips: COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!  OSHA states that 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through use of proper protective eyewear. 

Knowing exactly what kind of protective eyewear for each particular job is very important.  Here are some clues:

  • For particles, flying objects or dust protection, at least wear safety glasses with side shields.  Many persons have experienced eye injuries because they did not have side shields attached to their safety glasses.
  •  For those who work around chemicals, goggles are best suited.
  •  Persons who are exposed to hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, fiber optics,) require special purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets with special lens shields designed for the task.

Eye injuries most often occur in the manufacturing industry, or to those who are craft workers, mechanics, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and persons who run industrial equipment such as sanders and grinding machines.  The BLS says that in 70% of the accidents, flying particles, falling objects, or sparks striking the eye caused the injury.  Chemicals cause about one/fifth of eye injuries.  In many workers, an estimated three-fifths of articles causing damage to the eyes were smaller than the size of a pinhead. Those in landscaping businesses know how many particles can blow into their eyes when they are operating mowers and other equipment.  As we know, protecting oneself is vital.  Being responsible both at work and home will pay off.  It only takes a minute or two to don a pair of safety glasses or goggles before you start work or go out to work in the yard.

Suggestions to help companies fulfill their obligation to protect their employees from eye injury include:

  • Increase monitoring employees’ compliance in wearing eye protection.
  • Ensure that the safety glasses, goggles, etc. fit comfortably.
  • Furnish stylish safety glasses, (there are many great styles, not the old “Plain Jane” ones.  This will encourage compliance).
  • Tying compliance into each individual’s annual evaluation.
  • Ensure that there are eyewash stations in all areas.
  • Have first aid training programs in order for employees to be familiar with how to help someone with an eye injury or any other type of injury. 

In addition to eye safety issues, the health of our eyes is something we shouldn’t take for granted.  Everyone should have an annual eye examination.  If there is a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, one should be seen annually by an ophthalmologist.  Experts in nutrition recommend that we have a diet rich in Vitamins C and E.  Eating leafy greens, egg yolks, fish, and other foods containing zinc are things that can contribute to good eye health.  Also, watching ones’ blood pressure is important, because if it is too high, it can hinder blood flow to the eyes.  Some eye professionals recommend eye vitamin supplements to certain patients.  Wearing sunglasses for UV protection is also important for our eye health.  Even children need to wear UV protective sunglasses, because experts say that damage to the eyes begins at a very young age.  

Have you ever turned off all the lights in your house and try to stumble to your bed?  I’m guilty of that, and I run into the wall half the time!  We think we know exactly where everything in our house is, but it’s easy to lose our bearings when we can’t see.  Imagine if you had to do that every day, all day long?  It will make you realize how thankful you are for the vision you were blessed with.  In many circumstances, such as accidents, it is a gift that cannot be replaced.  So why not “open your eyes,” and take the time to wear your protective eyewear, all the time you are working, and when you are doing your chores at home.  

Uncategorized

ADDITION TO ANSI STANDARD FOR EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

According to our friends at Gateway Safety, there have been changes in coverage, categories, and hazard marking requirements regarding eye and face protection.  In September, 2010, ANSI implemented a new version of the ANSI Z87.1 standard on April 16, 2010.  First, here is the version of Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.  Sets forth criteria related to the description, general requirements, testing, marking, selection, care, and use of protectors to minimize or prevent injuries, from such hazards as impact, non-ionizing radiation, and chemical type injuries, in occupational and educational environments including, but not limited to, machinery operations, material welding and cutting, chemical handling, and assembly operations. 

 Here are explanations of the changes of additional criteria to the old version of the standard (ANSI Z87.1-2003): 

  • Coverage Requirement: Extended side protection.  Certain spectacles with thin temples will require side shields if they don’t pass the new side coverage requirements.
  • Categories of Eye and Face Protection: “Impact” or “Non Impact.”  Previously, products were categorized as either Basic/High Impact protection, or as a Secondary/Primary protector.  Now, if a product has a plus sign “+” after the standard (Z87.1+), it will indicate that the product is “Impact” rated.  No plus sign “+” after the standard (Z87.1) will indicate that the product is “Non-Impact” rated.
  • Hazard Markings: Based on the risk of impact, splash, dust, etc.  Hazard-based markings are entirely new and meant to encourage users and employers to evaluate the specific hazards in their environment and to select the appropriate eye and face protection based on that hazard evaluation.  Certain lens types will require new markings, such as welding and splash goggles.  

According to OSHA, thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.  OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.  There is a myriad of choices of Eye Protection safety glasses; there’s sure to be one that fits the bill for every type of work environment.  Plus, safety glasses aren’t the old plain types that once were all that were available.  Just check them out and see if you won’t be stylin’!  

Eye and face protection is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, longshoring, and the construction industry.

Source: Gateway Safety

                 OSHA

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TWO THINGS YOU MUST PROTECT

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Your eyes are two very important parts of your body that must always be protected.  We may take our senses of vision, smell, taste, hearing and feeling for granted, but if you lose your eyesight, your whole world can be changed in an instant.  Since January is National Eye Care Month, we think it’s a good idea to focus on this subject.

Workplace eye-related injuries account for approximately 94,500 people being treated in U.S. hospitals, according to Prevent Blindness America.  Employers and employees must be educated about hazards that workers face on a daily basis.  Prevent Blindness America has categorized the top causes of eye injuries at work, and we want to pass that on to you:

Product Categories Est’d Injuries Per Year
Tools (power,portable,manual, other)                               19,458
Welding Equipment                                                                     15,338
Adhesives                                                                                          5,733
Bleaches (non-cosmetic)                                                            5,580
House Repair/Construction                                                      4,476
Lawn Mowers                                                                                   4,388
Paints, Varnishes,Shellacs,Removers                                   3,434
Chemicals                                                                                          3,350

In an article we presented last year, “Focusing on Occupational Eye Injuries”, welding equipment led the number of work-related eye injuries last year, and tools came in second.  We can see by the statistics there is still much work to do regarding training and proper use of Work Safety Products.  After assessing the particular hazards by management/safety personnel at your workplace, the determination should be made regarding what type of eye/face protection is needed.  There are all types of safety glasses: wraparound, side-shields that fit on temples of glasses, goggles, and faceshields.  Our wonderful gift of vision could be lost in a split second by not taking that few seconds to put on eye safety gear.

OSHA states that thousands of workers are blinded annually in work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with selection and use of proper eye protection.  Costs to employers are more than $300 million annually in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.

So, it benefits both the employer and employee to be aware of the hazards their workplace may contain.  And, as you can see in the list, there are many items listed above that we use at our homes, as well.  The next time you mow your lawn, why not put on a pair of safety glasses?  What could it hurt?

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION

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More than eight million Americans have a problem that isn’t easily corrected:  macular degeneration.  There is a small area at the back of the eye called the macula that allows us to see fine detail.  When the macula becomes damaged, vision toward the center of the area we are focusing on becomes dimmer and hard to distinguish.  Two types of macular degeneration exist: wet and dry.  The dry type is more common and reduces central vision more slowly.

Wet macular degeneration happens less frequently, when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and break and leak fluid underneath the macula.

Most cases of macular degeneration are associated with aging.  The American Academy of Opthalmology recommends that persons between the ages of 40 – 54 years have a comprehensive eye examination every two to four years.  Between the ages of 55 – 64, they should have these exams every one to three years, and after age 65, have one every one to two years.

Experts have made the following suggestions that we all can apply, regardless of age, in order to try to prevent the onset of macular degeneration:

  • Eat fish.
  • Limit fats in the diet.
  • Exercise.
  • Have a healthy lifestyle, and maintain a normal weight.
  • Eat plenty of fruits, nuts, and dark green leafy vegetables.
  • As your physician about taking antioxidant vitamins containing zinc.
  • Be extra vigilant if there’s a member of your family that has had it.
  • Don’t smoke; it increases the risk five times more than for non-smokers.

If you begin to notice changes in your vision, or see blurry lines on reading materials, consult your physician.  He/she may recommend that you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Treatments that can possibly slow vision loss include:

  • Photodynamic surgery;
  • Injections of medicine into eye;
  • Laser surgery.

These procedures are done only by opthalmologists.  Other aids that may help those whose vision is getting poor are magnifying glasses, better lighting, and large print books and newspapers.  A study done last fall showed that people who live in sunny locations are more susceptible to macular degeneration, as the rays from sun can damage the cells of the retina, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help.

So, do as Popeye does: eat your spinach, and keep those eyes healthy!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

More About Protecting Your Eyes

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In researching eye injuries at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, their logo is “Use Them or Lose Them”, picturing a person with safety glasses on.  Thousands are blinded each year from work-related injuries that could have been prevented with proper use of eye and face protection.  More than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation are due to eye injuries alone.  Each day, over 2,000 U.S. workers have job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment. Safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding hoods, and full-face respirators must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.  The frame of safety glasses must have Z87 or Z87+ on the frame. Anytime workers face hazards of flying particles or objects, they are required to have side protection or side shields on glasses.  Those who work in health care, janitorial, construction, laboratory staffs, construction, and welding, risk permanent damage to their eyes if they do not wear the proper PPE for face and eyes.  Employers must determine the types of hazards that are present before assigning PPE to workers. Side shields come in a variety of styles that will fit just about any shape of safety glass, and are used widely among many professions.  They are a great safety convenience, as they slip on and off safety glasses, but give the added security of side protection.  Wrap around glasses also furnish protection from wind, flying particles, dust, and much more.  Eye injuries occur because of inadequate side protection, proper fit, or particles that fell from above, such as drilling or hammering overhead. What have you observed at your work site?  How many workers are wearing any type of eye protection?  And do they keep it on all day?  A very common response after the fact of an eye injury is “I didn’t think I needed it.”  With all the wonderful features that safety glasses boast, there’s just no excuse for not wearing eye protection!  There are safety glasses available for  all kinds of work that are stylish and have features, such as fitting over regular prescription glasses, numerous tints, even ones with bifocal lenses. The next time you need a pair of sunglasses, check out the cool new styles of safety glasses.  They look great, cost less, and furnish much more protection.  You’ll be stylin’ with your new safety glasses on the job, working around the house, or at play. Sources: OSHA NIOSH