The number one priority and concern within the labor force is the ongoing safety of the crew. No matter the industry you’re working in, danger is lurking around every corner. When it comes to eyesight, protection is of the upmost importance. How do you know when it’s time to level up the industrial protective eyewear of your team? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, it is time to upgrade your gear.
1. Is the eyewear old?
New technology for industrial safety eyewear is constantly being improved to ensure the highest quality of protection available. As safety eyewear ages, there is danger of it not performing up to the current standards. Outdated eyewear may also lack the features found in newer eyewear. It is important that the eyewear you select meets all your corporate safety standards.
2. Is there any physical damage?
Dings, scuffs and scratches on your team’s safety eyewear are a safety risk. This kind of damage can not only obstruct your team’s vision and cause eyestrain, but it can also weaken the protective aspects of the glasses themselves. Exposure to heat, chemicals, gas and vapors can also weaken the integrity of eyewear, depending on the materials used in the frames and lenses.
3. Are the safety glasses perpetually cloudy?
The older the glasses, the harder they are to keep clean. There are all types of sticky particles on worksites that over time, can lead to a build-up of hard to remove materials. Ultimately obstructing visibility and clarity. Blurred vision can lead to mistakes due to loss of focus; work stoppage soon follows while crew member work to continuously clear their safety eyewear.
4. Is your worksite in extreme conditions?
Harsh conditions will require you to replace your industrial protective eyewear more frequently. Consider the hazards you want to protect your crew against and make sure the eyewear you select is appropriate for the tasks at hand. It is also important to take into consideration the impact-rating of the glasses you select. ANSI-compliant glasses are generally considered the gold standard and to be the safest industrial eyewear on the market.
5. Does the eyewear fit poorly?
Safety eyewear is designed for a close fit around the eyes and face. When the fit is off, your team’s vision is in danger from projectiles in the air and other worksite related containments. Around 2,000 eye injuries occur daily on worksites. According to the University of Wisconsin, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, wearing proper eye protection can prevent 90 percent of all workplace eye injuries.
6. Is there a tint making it harder to see?
Constantly changing lighting creates several challenges. The right lenses offer less strain on the eye and clarity of vision. The wrong treatments on eyewear have been known to cause headaches, fatigue, cause glare, strain and dry eyes.
Following these suggestions are great way to ensure your crew’s eyesight is receiving the highest level of protection. Interested in learning more about the highest quality of industrial protective eyewear? Learn more our Industrial Safety page.
