How can workplace eye injuries be prevented?
Employees should be trained on the importance and proper use of safety glasses. Hold regular meetings involving many levels of employees. Post signs in designated safety eyewear areas. Require every person to wear safety glasses when in these areas, including management, customers and any other visitors.

How are safety glasses different from ordinary glasses?
Safety glasses must meet impact requirements set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Z87+ standard classifies safety lenses as either basic or high impact. Basic lenses must be able to pass a 1 inch ball drop test, and high impact lenses must comply with high mass and high velocity impact criteria. Safety glasses that adhere to ANSI standards will be marked “Z87.”

Who should wear safety glasses?
Most manufacturing environments require the use of safety glasses. Those in other occupations, such as mechanics, lawn care specialists and construction workers also need eye protection. 

Why don’t employees always wear safety glasses, even when required?
One of the biggest reasons that employees don’t wear their safety glasses is style. Many workers don’t like the way the glasses look. Some other reasons for noncompliance are: the person cannot see through the lens because of damage, the glasses are uncomfortable, the employee needs prescription lenses and/or the safety glass policy is not enforced.

Tips for choosing the right safety glasses

There are many types of safety glasses to choose from. Some things to consider:

• Style – Offer your employees a selection of styles. You may want to involve a panel of people to help you choose which styles would be best received, and therefore more likely to be worn.
• Coatings – Depending on the environment where the safety glasses are used, you may wish to consider anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. 
• Temples – Choose glasses that have comfortable temples. Temples that compress the face can cause headaches and discomfort. 
• Balance – Front heavy glasses will slide down and cause discomfort and annoyance. Well balanced glasses are a must.
• Lens color – Depending on work environment, a colored lens may be appropriate.
  Clear: Indoor use, especially in natural light.
  Light blue: Sodium vapor and halogen lighting.
  Amber: Blocks blue light and provides contrast. Best for low light situations.
  Vermillion: Provides contrast in all colors. Ideal for detail work and inspection.
  Gray: Blocks bright light. Can unsafely block too much light.
  Green: Specialized for those who may work or walk by welding operations.

What else can be offered to increase compliance?

• Lens cleaning stations – Clean lenses are important for safety and quality. Place cleaning stations in prominent areas.
• Eyeglass cords – Cords help prevent loss.
• Eyeglass cases – Ideal for prescription or high end safety glasses. Cases help prevent loss and breakage.
• Storage – Centralized storage cabinets prevent loss.