Protecting Your Eyes - On the Job Tool Box Safety Talks

Have you ever imagined what it would be like if you were blind?

Close your eyes for 10seconds...now realize that if you were blind, that is what you would see the rest of your life.Eye injuries occur all too often because employees do not have on the proper eye protection. In the pastyear, we know of at least 6 instances where wearing safety glasses saved an employee’s eyesight.Don’t take for granted your eyesight. Eyes are not replaceable. 

Follow these safety requirements for safety glasses:

• Approved Safety Glasses must be worn when there is a potential eye hazard on most construction sites, that’s almost 100% of the time.

• Generally, if you are using any power tool, nailing, grinding, or using a chemical that can harm your eyes, you should be wearing safety glasses.

• Approved Safety glasses are stamped Z87.1

• If glasses are not stamped Z87.1, they are not safety glasses and do not provide the necessary protection. Regular sunglasses provide only a false sense of protection.

• Employees who have prescription lenses need to have side shields and the lenses and frames need to be impact resistant. There are prescription safety glasses available at most places where you purchase your glasses. Check with your optical provider.

• If employees with prescription lenses do not have side shields or appropriate prescription safety glasses, then approved safety goggles or over safety glasses must be worn over the prescription lenses.

•Tinted lenses can be worn outdoors.

• Clear or amber lenses should be worn indoors or outdoors when it is cloudy.

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