Eye Safety at work: simple steps that prevent serious injuries

Safety glasses are critical for protecting your eyes from potential injuries caused by flying objects, chemicals, and harmful UV rays. Thousands of eye injuries happen in the workplace each year—most of them are preventable with proper precautions. Always wear the required eye protection for your job. Never attempt to remove foreign material from your own or someone else’s eye. Even if the task seems low-risk, always use common sense—don’t take chances with your vision.

When selecting safety glasses for work, consider the following features:
• Impact Resistance: Look for glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1
• UV Protection: Choose glasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays
• Comfort and Fit: Ensure the glasses fit well and are comfortable for extended wear
• Wrap-Around Glasses: These provide a snug fit and protect against particles entering from the sides

This important tip sheet from the National Safety Council is available for download—perfect for sharing or posting at your worksite. A quick reminder can help prevent a serious injury.

Eye Safety at Work

Following these best practices can help you protect your eyes!