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Every day, about 2,000 U.S. workers suffer job-related eye injuries that require medical attention. Many of these injuries are preventable with the right safety measures in place. For employers, labor unions, and trade educators, investing in eye protection is not only a legal and ethical responsibility — it’s a practical way to reduce costs, retain workers, and build a safety-first culture.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about eye safety in the workplace. Whether you’re the owner of a service business or managing a medical laboratory, protecting your employees from injury starts with the right eyewear.
Common Causes of Workplace Eye Injuries
Understanding the origins of risks is the first step in protecting vision in the workplace. The most common job-related eye hazards include:
- Flying debris and particles: Common in industries like manufacturing, construction, and woodworking, airborne particles from tools, machines, or work surfaces can cause severe corneal injuries or vision loss. These risks often require ANSI-rated impact-resistant eyewear.
- Chemical splashes and spills: Workers in janitorial services, laboratories, healthcare, or industrial cleaning face frequent exposure to harmful liquids. Acids, solvents, and disinfectants can cause irreversible eye damage. Splash goggles or face shields are critical in these environments.
- Radiation exposure: Welders, dental technicians, and medical imaging personnel may encounter infrared or ultraviolet radiation that can cause cataracts or retinal burns. Specialized filtering lenses and shields are essential for these workers.
- Eye strain and dry eyes from screens: In office and call center settings, prolonged screen use leads to computer vision syndrome, a set of symptoms including dry eye and blurred vision. Blue light filtering lenses, screen positioning, and scheduled breaks can mitigate these effects, especially when workers are required to perform detailed computer-based tasks.
Knowing the source of hazards is the first step in developing protective protocols and selecting appropriate eyewear. Once you know the hazards out there, you’ll be more equipped to protect yourself and your staff.
Why Prioritizing Vision Health Pays Off
Prioritizing vision health in the workplace is a strategic investment that yields significant benefits in productivity, employee well-being, and financial performance.
Employees with clear vision and appropriate eye protection are more focused and less prone to errors, particularly in precision-driven roles. Properly fitted eyewear reduces physical strain and distractions, leading to consistent performance and fewer mistakes.
Eye safety affects your bottom line, too. In 2024, the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that workplace eye injuries cost U.S. businesses an estimated $300 million annually in medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims.
A strong safety culture enhances employee satisfaction and retention, especially in skilled trades and unionized environments. Demonstrating a commitment to eye health fosters trust between labor and management, contributing to long-term workforce stability.
OSHA Eye Protection Standards
Eye protection is not optional in many industries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must provide protective equipment for employees’ eyes and faces if they’re regularly exposed to hazards such as:
- Flying particles;
- Molten metal;
- Liquid chemicals;
- Acids;
- Caustic liquids;
- Chemical gases or vapors;
- Injurious light radiation.
According to OSHA Standard 1910.133, personal protective equipment (PPE) must match the nature of the hazard and must meet the criteria set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z87.1).
OSHA also requires that employers conduct hazard assessments, identifying where vision risks exist, and ensuring that PPE is not only available but also properly fitted, maintained, and worn consistently. Training workers on how to use and care for eye protection is also part of OSHA’s expectations. Protective eyewear must be provided at no cost to employees, and failure to meet these requirements can result in citations and legal liability.
Importantly, workers have the right to advocate for safe working conditions. In unionized workplaces, this includes raising concerns with safety representatives or health and safety committees if proper eye protection is not being provided. OSHA also accepts confidential complaints from workers when hazards go unaddressed, empowering employees to seek improvements when internal efforts fall short.

Eye Protection Solutions for Industry-Specific Hazards
Not all workplaces contain the same ocular hazards. Effective eye safety programs are tailored to the risks present in specific work environments.
Construction and Skilled Trades
Construction sites and skilled trade jobs expose workers to a mix of airborne dust, flying debris, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A 2020 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that construction workers had the most eye injuries of any industry, largely due to contact with debris or equipment. Welders face additional dangers from intense UV and infrared radiation, which can cause a corneal flash burn. Landscapers and outdoor laborers are at risk of sun exposure, which can contribute to eye fatigue and long-term degeneration.
To protect against these hazards, ANSI Z87.1-rated goggles or safety glasses with side shields are essential. For welding, shaded lenses that meet the specific filter rating for the task are critical. Outdoor workers may benefit from sunglasses that reduce glare and UV exposure, but it’s important to note that while sunglasses can support comfort and visibility in sunny environments, they are not a substitute for impact-rated or radiation-shielding eyewear.
Healthcare and Laboratories
Healthcare professionals, lab technicians, and janitorial staff frequently handle chemicals, bodily fluids, and infectious materials. In these environments, splashes, sprays, and aerosolized contaminants can all cause eye injuries and infections. The risk of exposure is exceptionally high during procedures involving pressurized fluids, specimen handling, or chemical sanitation.
Splash-resistant goggles and face shields offer necessary protection in these settings. These forms of PPE create a barrier that prevents hazardous materials from contacting the mucous membranes of the eyes, reducing the risk of chemical burns or pathogen transmission. Employers should also train staff on donning and doffing procedures to avoid contamination and ensure PPE remains effective during routine and emergency use.
Manufacturing and Industrial Work
Industrial workplaces present a heightened risk of eye injuries due to hazards such as flying metal shavings, unexpected debris, sparks, and high-speed machinery. Machinists, assembly line workers, and employees in automotive or aerospace roles often work in conditions where sharp fragments or forceful debris can cause significant eye damage.
To minimize these risks, workers should wear safety eyewear made from high-impact polycarbonate that complies with ANSI Z87.1 standards. This type of protection is specifically engineered to resist cracking, shattering, or puncturing under stress. In environments where vision correction is needed, many employers opt for durable, prescription-ready safety glasses that combine impact resistance with optical clarity.
Office and Digital Environments
Although office workers aren’t typically exposed to physical hazards, prolonged screen use introduces a different kind of eye health challenge. Staring at monitors for hours can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by blurred vision, headaches, and dry, irritated eyes. Over time, this discomfort can reduce productivity and increase fatigue.
To protect digital workers, employers should consider multiple strategies: installing screen filters that reduce glare and blue light exposure, optimizing workspace lighting to reduce contrast between screens and the surrounding environment, and encouraging the use of the 20-20-20 rule. With this rule, employees look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. For those experiencing dryness or irritation, dry eye relief products such as lubricating drops can help restore comfort and focus.
How To Choose and Use the Right Protective Eyewear
Whether you’re outfitting a manufacturing team, healthcare staff, or trade apprentices, choosing the eye protective gear can make employees feel more comfortable and experience fewer workplace injuries.
Features to Consider
When evaluating protective eyewear, employers and employees should look for:
- ANSI Z87.1 certification: This ensures the eyewear meets impact, penetration, and optical quality standards set by the American National Standards Institute, which OSHA recognizes.
- Prescription-ready safety glasses: For workers who require vision correction, it’s critical to choose safety glasses that either contain or integrate with prescription lenses.
- Comfort and wearability: Lightweight frames, adjustable nose pads, and proper fit are essential, especially for long shifts or jobs requiring precise movements.
- Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings: These features extend the lifespan of the eyewear and reduce distractions caused by condensation or scuffed lenses.
Selecting eyewear with these qualities helps prevent compliance fatigue and ensures workers are equipped to stay safe every day.
Maintenance and Replacement
Consistent maintenance keeps protective eyewear effective and safe to use. Employers should implement clear cleaning protocols that instruct workers to wash lenses with mild soap and water or approved cleaning solutions. They should also advise employees to steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, which can damage protective coatings or reduce visibility.
Supervisors and workers alike should regularly inspect eyewear for scratches, cracks, and worn-out parts like hinges or nose pads. Replace any eyewear that obstructs vision, fits poorly, or shows signs of structural damage. Even minor fractures can compromise protection and increase the risk of serious injury during high-impact tasks.

The Importance of Training Employees on Eye Protection
Even the most advanced protective eyewear won’t prevent injuries unless workers know how to use it correctly. OSHA makes it clear: employers must do more than provide personal protective equipment (PPE) — they must also train employees to wear it consistently, care for it properly, and recognize when to use it.
Start training during onboarding, and reinforce it with regular refreshers. Offer online modules that teach employees how to identify specific job-related hazards, maintain their eyewear, and respond to common eye injury risks. Back up these lessons with visual reminders, such as posters, signage, and safety bulletins. Place them in high-traffic areas like break rooms, locker areas, and workstations.
To strengthen these efforts, assess each department to pinpoint the most relevant hazards. Conduct walk-throughs, gather input from employees, or complete formal job hazard analyses (JHAs). Use this insight to tailor PPE distribution and training content to match the risks your workers actually face. This targeted approach improves both safety outcomes and compliance.
How To Respond to Eye Injury Emergencies
Even with strong safety protocols, eye injuries can still happen. When they do, acting quickly and following a clear response plan can limit the damage and ensure your team complies with workplace safety standards.
If an eye injury occurs on the job, take the following steps immediately:
- Stop the task at once to prevent further harm.
- Move the injured worker to a clean, safe area with minimal lighting and limited exposure to dust, chemicals, or airborne irritants.
- Flush the eye with clean water or sterile saline for at least 15 minutes if the injury involves chemicals or debris. Never allow the worker to rub the eye.
- Cover the eye with a sterile dressing or eye shield if available, taking care not to apply pressure.
- Notify a supervisor or safety officer according to company procedures.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury appears minor—some damage may not be immediately visible.
- Document the incident thoroughly and review the circumstances to determine whether additional safety measures are needed.
Make sure your workplace has clearly labeled eyewash stations in high-risk areas, such as laboratories or chemical-handling zones. Easy access to emergency equipment can significantly improve outcomes in the critical moments following an injury.
Developing a strong eye safety program is crucial for keeping employees safe and boosting productivity. By putting strict protective measures in place, offering thorough training, and consistently raising awareness about hazards, organizations can help employees feel secure, perform their best, and finish their day without any incidents.
Eye Health Resources for Workplaces
Finding the right information is just as important as having the right equipment. These resources from government agencies, nonprofits, and industry organizations can help employers, safety coordinators, and training leaders build effective vision protection programs.
Government Resources
The following federal agencies offer clear, research-backed guidance on how to comply with workplace eye safety standards and reduce injury risk:
- OSHA Eye and Face Protection Standards (29 CFR 1910.133): Outlines the legal requirements for eye and face protection across general industries. Employers can use this to verify compliance, conduct hazard assessments, and understand PPE certification requirements.
- CDC Workplace Eye Safety Resources: Offers research-based recommendations, hazard-specific advice, and links to protective equipment guidelines. Also features insights into eye injury statistics and prevention strategies.
These resources are a great starting point for reviewing your current safety protocols or creating new training materials that align with OSHA and NIOSH expectations.
Nonprofit & Professional Organization Resources
Several respected medical and vision-focused organizations offer free materials that help workplaces address both physical hazards and digital eye strain:
- American Optometric Association (AOA) — Protecting your eyes at work: A guide on how to avoid workplace eye injuries, and what to do if you experience one.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology — Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain: Offers guidance on how to protect your eyes against digital devices that utilize blue light that may cause eye strain at work.
- Vision Council – Vision Protection in the Workplace: Resources on digital eye strain, occupational eyewear, and public education campaigns. Helpful for employers in office and tech settings.
These tools can supplement safety training with expert-backed advice and are particularly useful in industries where digital device use contributes to eye fatigue.
Employer and Employee Resources
The following organizations both support workforce development and provide access to vision care products, helping businesses meet their employees’ safety and wellness needs:
- National Skills Coalition – Workforce Development Policy Resources: Includes policy guidance and workforce protection recommendations that can support union or school-based training initiatives involving PPE compliance and safety education.
- EZContacts: An online retailer that provides prescription-ready eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eyecare solutions for workers.
These resources are ideal for integrating vision safety into broader workforce initiatives and ensuring employees have access to the eyewear solutions they need to stay protected on the job.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or safety advice. Workers and employers should consult qualified safety professionals, licensed optometrists, and insurance specialists before selecting or purchasing any protective eyewear. Product suitability depends on job-specific risks, regulatory compliance, and coverage under workplace insurance plans.