How to Boost Protective Eyewear Compliance

Protective Eyewear That Workers Want to Wear

Nobody likes a poke in the eye. But any safety manager can tell you how maddeningly often they go into their facility or onto a job site and find workers and even sometimes visitors without their eye protection. Proper training and frequent reminders go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. But it’s important to tackle the problem from the workers’ perspective.

By M.B. Sutherland, Sr. Safety Writer, Magid

WORKERS TEND TO AVOID EYE PROTECTION FOR THREE REASONS:

1. COMFORT 2. USABILITY 3. PERSONAL PREFERENCE

COMFORT

Image of a worker holding a pair of safety glasses

If your safety glasses are pinching at the nose, rubbing behind the ears, or otherwise making you uncomfortable, it’s easy to take them off and leave them off. Even taking a moment to remove glasses to rub an irritated area can tempt fate. So if you want your workers to keep their safety glasses on every minute as they should, pay attention to comfort. Comfortable designs in eyewear provide cushioning at pressure points like the nose, forehead, and ears. Ratcheting temples help workers find their ideal fit and prevent glasses from gripping too hard and causing headaches.

USABILITY

Image of a worker wearing anti-fog safety glasses

Safety glasses can actually become a hazard if they fog up or slip down. Not only does it cause workers to remove their eyewear, but it can obstruct their vision. Anti-fog coatings keep glasses clear, so workers don’t need to take them off even in hot or humid environments. Non-slip nosepieces and elastic straps help to keep glasses in place, so they don’t slip down or off.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

Image of a worker holding two pairs of safety glasses

The days of clunky, unattractive safety glasses are long gone. Your workers now have a multitude of choices that look trendy and cool. So whether it’s clear indoor glasses or tinted outdoor shades, you can order a variety of styles and let your workers choose or get your workers involved in ordering and let them tell you what’s cool!

Choose safety glasses that your workers will want to wear and watch compliance issues disappear before your eyes! And don’t forget your employees with prescription safety eyewear needs. Be sure you have an RX eyewear program that works for you!

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