Figures show that 50% of construction workers suffer a serious eye injury during their career. This includes injuries and conditions such as impacts and burns. Research also suggests up to 90% of all workplace eye injuries are preventable with correct use of eye protection. (Safety & Health Practitioner, 2020)

It is therefore vital to ensure eye protection is selected and used appropriately to prevent irreversible injuries and lifelong conditions caused by hazards such as flying particles and exposure to harmful optical radiation.

Normal sunglasses are only intended to offer filtering protection and will not offer any protection against impact. Safety spectacles marked 5-2.5 with F and K markings, for example, have been assessed against EN 172, European Standard for sunglare filters for industrial use, and EN 166, the main eye protection standard, providing UV filtering and impact protection, plus scratch resistance, as well as meeting mandatory requirements for optical quality and robustness.

Additionally, normal sunglasses and prescription spectacles are likely to be more susceptible to damage by potential impact or scratches, over a safety spectacle with F impact rating and K-rated scratch resistance. Safety spectacles therefore provide better protection to the wearer as well as greater robustness and durability.

Eye protectors marked ‘N’ meet optional requirements for resistance to fogging. Oculars are treated with a coating to prevent misting up which can be a problem with normal glasses, especially when being worn with a mask.

In addition to impact resistance and durability, safety spectacles offer a wide range of filtering options, with different shades available for protection against various forms of optical radiation. Clear lenses can offer UV protection, and polarised lenses filter sunglare as well as blocking horizontal reflections to prevent glare. 

Optical radiation and lens shades

Harmful optical radiation can damage the eye in different ways depending on its wavelength and properties. Certain infrared, ultraviolet, and blue light can cause partial or total blindness. In some cases effects can be immediate, and in others damage is sustained over time leading to eye problems or blindness later in life. Eye and face protection should be selected with an appropriate shade to protect against the specific form of harmful light identified through risk assessment and legal guidance.

JSP lens shades

Selection of a lens shade must take into account the optical radiation hazard(s), and subsequent filtering requirements. It is also important to consider the need for good visibility and colour recognition. Some lenses have limitations due to the low light transmission value required to provide effective filtering. This means some lens shades are not safe for use where colour recognition is imperative, such as for driving or electrical work. 

Find out more about our range of Eye Protection and Face Protection. Have more questions on eye protection? Check out our Eye Protection FAQ. Take a look at our new Eye and Face Protection Guide.