Eye Safety in the Workplace

Read aloud: protect your eyes before exposure

Ordinary prescription glasses are not automatically workplace eye protection. Before we start, identify what could reach our eyes: flying particles, a liquid splash, dust, harmful light, or heat. We need protection selected for that hazard, fitted correctly, and worn throughout the exposure. If the protection is missing, damaged, or does not fit, pause the task and get the correct equipment.

Controls to confirm

• Use guarding, shielding, and work methods that reduce exposure before relying on PPE alone.
• For flying-object hazards in construction, OSHA 1926.102 requires side protection. Select compliant eye protection for the assessed task; a face shield may be needed in addition to primary eye protection.
• If corrective lenses are needed, use protective prescription eyewear or suitable protection worn over the glasses without disturbing the position of either set of lenses.
• Select splash protection and welding filter shades for the specific exposure. Laser protection requires wavelength- and exposure-specific selection; a welding shade is not a general laser protector.
• Inspect lenses, frames, straps, and fit before use. Follow the manufacturer’s care and replacement instructions.
• Know the emergency response, how to summon help, and where appropriate flushing facilities are located. Seek prompt medical attention for an eye injury; do not try to remove an embedded object. For chemical exposure, begin the required emergency flushing immediately and follow the safety data sheet and emergency instructions.

Illustrative discussion scenario

A visitor needs prescription glasses and will pass near grinding work. Ordinary glasses are the only eyewear available at the entrance. Before entry, the host checks the exposure and obtains appropriate protective eyewear that fits over the glasses, or selects a route that avoids the exposure. This is a training scenario, not a documented injury case.

Crew questions

1. What can reach our eyes during this task, including nearby work?
2. Does our selected protection cover that hazard and fit with our prescription lenses and other PPE?
3. Where do we get replacement protection and emergency assistance?

Actions before exposure

• Name the person who will confirm eye hazards and required protection at this briefing.
• Check each person’s protection and fit before entering the exposure area.
• Confirm emergency access and replace missing or damaged protection before starting.

Primary sources and scope

• OSHA 1926.102 — Eye and face protection for construction.
• OSHA — Eye and face protection.

U.S. federal OSHA context; requirements vary by industry and jurisdiction. This talk supports a site assessment and does not replace it.

Correction, September 10, 2026: Removed an unsourced injury story, an incorrect claim about aluminum producing a rust ring, and unsupported percentages for vision loss and preventable injuries.