What to do if you sustain an eye injury?
Safety glasses are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are designed to protect the eyes from hazards in the workplace or during certain activities. They are made with durable materials and are impact-resistant to shield the eyes from flying debris, chemical splashes, or other dangerous particles. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of safety glasses and how to choose the right pair for your needs.
Why are safety glasses important?
In Canada, approximately 200 people per day sustain a work related eye injury, approximately 73,000 people per year! According to the CNIB, approximately 90% of these eye injuries are preventable. Having eye injuries can cause time lost at work, vision impairment and in serious cases permanent blindness. One of the main reasons for eye emergencies at ClearLight Eyecare is due to eye injuries – almost all of which could be prevented with the proper safety glasses.
What should you look for in a pair of safety glasses?
When selecting safety glasses, it’s essential to choose a pair that is suitable for the job or activity you will be performing. Different types of hazards require different types of protection. Here are some factors to consider when choosing safety glasses:
Impact resistance:
Look for glasses that are rated for high impact. These glasses are designed to withstand flying debris or other objects that could cause injury.
Lens material:
Safety glasses can be made from various materials, including polycarbonate, which is the most common material used for impact resistance. Other options include glass, acrylic, and trivex. Polycarbonate is typically the best choice for most applications due to its durability and affordability.
Lens color:
Different lens colors are suitable for different tasks. For example, clear lenses are ideal for indoor work or low-light conditions, while gray or tinted lenses are better for outdoor work in bright sunlight.
Fit and comfort:
It’s important to choose glasses that fit comfortably and securely. Look for glasses with adjustable temples and nose pads to ensure a proper fit.
Prescription lenses:
If you wear prescription glasses, you can still find safety glasses that will accommodate your prescription. Look for glasses that are compatible with prescription inserts or that can be made with your prescription directly in the lens.
What do we offer and how does it work?
Clearlight Eyecare offers a comprehensive range of safety eyewear that meets Canadian standards. If you are an employee at a company, your employer will provide you with a “job ticket” complete with the information and requirements you need for your safety eyewear. We use this ticket to create your order to your workplace standards. We work with EyeSafe BC, who check the orders before sending them out to our lab for completion. We do not collect any payment when placing your order, everything is processed either through EyeSafe BC and/or your employer.
In conclusion
Safety glasses are a crucial piece of PPE that can protect your eyes from workplace hazards and prevent serious injuries. When selecting safety glasses, it’s essential to consider the types of hazards you will be exposed to and choose glasses that are appropriate for the task. Look for glasses that are impact-resistant, made from durable materials, and comfortable to wear. By taking the time to choose the right pair of safety glasses, you can ensure your eyes are protected while on the job or during any hazardous activities.