protective eyewear

Ensuring workers’ eyes are protected in any construction environment is of the utmost importance. Protective eyewear shields the eyes from the risk of potential hazards in the workplace, such as dirt and dust. But safety eyewear can also protect against more serious injuries.

The eyes are regarded as one of the most valuable sensory organs, as they help to easily navigate our surroundings in every single setting.

 

Risk assessments

 

For most workplaces, risk assessments are carried out to discover the potential hazards that workers are exposed to and whether workers require PPE. For construction sites, many hazards are apparent. Since the construction industry is considered high risk, so all workers require some level of PPE. However, some risks are not as obvious as others.

Carrying out regular and thorough risk assessments ensures workers are kept safe and healthy and provided with the necessary PPE which protects against injury from potential hazards.

 

Are employers required to provide safety eyewear for employees?

 

Employers’ responsibilities to workers in providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) changed on the 6th April 2022.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 amended the 1992 regulations, extending employers and employees’ duties relating to PPE to include a larger group of workers. Meaning that the duties of employers are unchanged, but they now apply to limb (b) workers.

The HSE states that under Regulation 4: Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective.

 

What about construction workers who wear glasses?

 

Some workers may wear prescription glasses on a daily basis, and this may make it more difficult for them to wear protective glasses. As they may not fit correctly over the top of their prescription glasses. In these cases, workers would need over-prescription safety glasses, which comfortably fit over the top of prescription glasses. This allows them to protect their eyes, as well as maintain good vision whilst working. 

 

Potential risks and hazards in the workplace which can affect the eyes

 

According to the HSE, potential hazards to the eyes can include:

  • Liquid chemicals
  • Chemical gasses
  • Acids
  • Molten metal
  • Dust
  • Projectiles (falling objects)
  • Hazardous vapors
  • Radiation

 

Different levels of eye safety PPE

 

Depending on the level of potential risk that a hazard presents, will then determine the level of protective eyewear which is required to provide substantial protection

 

PPE options include:

  • Safety glasses
  • Safety goggles
  • Face screens
  • Face shields
  • Visors

 

Contact Us

 

For more information on assessing the risks in your work environment, and how to adequately protect workers, please get in touch with our team. Visit our FAQs page, call us at 01260 277797, or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk

Want to know more about the Occupational Health services we provide at Acorn, and how they could benefit your business and your employees? Please get in touch.