Ensuring employee safety is a priority for any business, especially in environments where eye hazards are present. Per OSHA requirements, employers are required to provide necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) for employees working in hazardous environments. This includes ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses or other safety eyewear. However, a common challenge faced by many employers is the reluctance of employees to wear their safety glasses. Understanding the reasons behind this reluctance and finding effective solutions is crucial. Here are the top five reasons why employees might avoid wearing their safety glasses and how these issues can be addressed, with a focus on prescription safety glasses and solutions from SafeVision by HOYA.
1. Discomfort and Poor Fit
Reason: Safety glasses that are uncomfortable or don’t fit well can cause irritation, headaches, and general discomfort, leading employees to forego wearing them.
Solution: Modern prescription safety glasses are offered in a wide assortment of sizes and designs. Providing employees with a larger catalog of options ensures a proper fit and better protection. Thorough fittings and various styles enhance comfort for extended wear. SafeVision by HOYA’s Corporate Programs offer access to a network of local eye care providers, ensuring each employee receives the perfect fit for improved comfort and compliance.
2. Poor Vision Quality
Reason: Non-prescription safety glasses can impair vision, causing strain and reducing productivity, for employees who already require corrective lenses. “Fit-over” safety glasses/goggle designed to be worn over prescription glasses are often cumbersome and uncomfortable when worn for a full shift.
Solution: Investing in a quality pair of prescription safety glasses provides clear, precise vision while offering improved fitting for even better protection. Integrating the prescription needs of each employee ensures that workers do not have to choose between safety and clear vision. Through corporate programs, companies can facilitate easy access to these essential corrective safety solutions.
3. Style and Appearance Concerns
Reason: Employees might feel that wearing safety glasses are unattractive or unstylish, leading them to avoid wearing them, especially if they are self-conscious about their appearance.
Solution: SafeVision by HOYA provides a variety of stylish frames that cater to different tastes and preferences. Many models are available with removable side shields so they can be worn on and off the job. These frames not only meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards but also look professional and appealing. By offering a selection of fashionable options, SafeVision helps employees feel confident and willing to wear their safety glasses throughout the workday.
4. Inconvenience
Reason: Some employees find safety glasses cumbersome, especially if they need to switch between their regular prescription glasses and safety glasses frequently.
Solution: Prescription safety glasses eliminate the need for switching between different pairs of glasses. These glasses combine vision correction and safety in one convenient package, making it easy for employees to protect their eyes without the hassle of carrying multiple pairs of glasses. SafeVision’s corporate programs streamline the process of acquiring these multi-functional safety glasses, reducing inconvenience for employees.
5. Lack of Awareness and Training
Reason: Employees might not fully understand the importance of wearing safety glasses or how to effectively use and care for them.
Solution: Employers should be sure to implement comprehensive safety training and educational programs based on hazard assessments for their facilities and work force. These programs should emphasize the importance of eye safety, proper usage, and maintenance of safety glasses. By fostering a culture of safety and awareness, employees are more likely to adhere to safety protocols and consistently wear their protective eyewear.
Implementing a Corporate Program for Prescription Safety Glasses
SafeVision by HOYA offers turnkey, corporate programs designed to make the adoption of prescription safety glasses seamless for both employers and employees. These programs include access to thousands of partnered eye care providers across North America, streamlined single vendor billing, wide assortment of ANSI Z87.1 high impact rated & OSHA compliant safety glasses with packaged pricing for easy budgeting. Owned by HOYA Vision Care, we offer top prescription lens options, including polarized, photochromic, and tinted lenses. We also provide progressive, bifocal, and single-vision designs with high-performance coatings for scratch resistance, smudge resistance, anti-reflective, and anti-fog. By partnering with SafeVision by HOYA, companies can enhance workplace safety, boost employee compliance, and improve overall productivity.
Conclusion
Addressing the common reasons why employees might avoid wearing safety glasses is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment. SafeVision by HOYA ensures employees consistently wear safety glasses by prioritizing comfort, vision quality, style, convenience, and education. A well-managed corporate program provides high-quality, prescription safety glasses, fostering a safer and more productive workplace.
SafeVision by HOYA helps companies protect their employees by highlighting solutions and emphasizing the importance of safety glasses.
Visit SafeVision.com/corporate-programs/ to learn more and contact us for a consultation!