A Clear Vision for Eye and Face Protection

Every year, eye injuries in the workplace cost workers part or all of their vision, and businesses an estimated $300 million in lost production time, medical expenses and workers' compensation.¹ On a daily basis, about 2,000 workers require medical treatment for an eye injury.²

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top contributors to these eye injuries are: 1. Not wearing any eye protection. 2. Not wearing proper eye protection.

Fortunately, there are many options available to protect workers. Choosing the right protection, however, can be a daunting task.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sea of options from which you can choose and some important factors to consider, with worker safety and OSHA compliance at the top of the list.

OSHA REQUIREMENTS

If eye hazards are present in the workplace, OSHA requires the employer to ensure that workers exposed to the hazards are using proper eye and face protection, have been properly fitted and have been trained on its use and care (29 CFR 1910.133).

Employers also are obligated to provide PPE to workers at no cost if it's required to safely perform their job (29 CFR 1910.132(h)), with exceptions for items such as steel-toe boots and prescription safety glasses, as long as employees are permitted to wear them off the job.

Most employers choose to cover the cost of even the items that fall under the exception (or, at least, a majority of the cost).

Even if employees wear their prescription safety glasses off the job, it's a good investment. Almost half of the 2.4 million eye injuries that occur every year happen at home, and according to an annual study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 77 percent of those victims were not wearing eye protection.³

PRODUCT STANDARDS

Eye and face protection falls under the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. As you may know, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the 2010 version of Z87.1 in April of this year.

Because OSHA allows employers to use products that meet any of the previous three versions of a given standard, you do not need to replace your eye and face protection right away to be compliant. As long as the products you are using meet the ANSI Z87.1-1989, ANSI Z87.1-2003 or ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 standard, you are compliant with OSHA regulations.

The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 standard has some important changes to note. Most significantly, in relation to the product selection process, the 2010 standard represents a complete revamp of the product markings to more clearly indicate the performance capabilities of a product, making it easier to choose the right protector for the job.

In addition, splash, dust and fine dust tests have been added in the 2010 standard to qualify a protector's ability to guard against these hazards. New markings have been introduced that manufacturers can use to identify products, such as splash and dust goggles, that comply with the new requirements.

Also, the “Basic Impact” and “High Impact” designations have been eliminated. Under ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, a protector now is either impact-rated or it is not. Lastly, under the new Z87 standard, all impact-rated protectors must be sold with side protection (permanent or detachable).

PRESCRIPTION WEARERS

Workers who require corrective lenses need to have the same level of protection as their coworkers. About 40 percent of the U.S. population requires corrective lenses, but that number is growing significantly as people stay in the work force longer. This directly translates into an increased percentage of workers needing prescription glasses.

Employers essentially have two options for meeting OSHA requirements for prescription wearers who are exposed to eye hazards. These employees can wear over-the-glass (OTG) eyewear that fits over regular prescription glasses or prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 requirements. Note that attaching sideshields to regular prescription glasses or “street wear” does not comply with OSHA requirements.