Injuries at work are a common occurrence, regardless of the industry. According to the Labour Force Survey 2022/23, 561,000 workers reported a non-fatal injury sustained at work. The risk of accidents and injuries is especially pronounced in high-risk industries like construction or environments with dangerous chemicals and materials. Therefore, workers who are exposed to harmful hazards must wear personal protective equipment or PPE to prevent threats to safety and well-being while on the job.
There are various kinds of PPE to protect almost all parts of the body, from helmets and earplugs to gloves and safety boots. Face and eye protection also guard against various hazards or contamination. The face and eyes are incredibly vulnerable, so the appropriate and sufficient protection for the job, environment, and individual needs is an absolute must.
Here’s a look at different types of PPE for the face and eyes and how they keep workers safe:
Safety glasses
Safety glasses are some of the most common types of PPE for the eyes and are used in a wide variety of industries for protection. Chemical splashes, debris, particles, and sharp projectiles can impede vision and cause eye injuries, leading to long-lasting damage.
Safety glasses are designed to protect wearers from these hazards, maintain clear vision, enhance work performance, and prevent on-site accidents. They can protect from front-facing exposure, but wraparound designs or added side or brow guards boost safety from more angles. Thanks to their comfort, durability, and versatility, they’re a very popular choice for daily eye protection and can be worn for various tasks across a diverse range of jobs.
Like regular glasses, they can also be customised to add a wearer’s prescription, allowing for clear vision without wearing protective eyewear over their usual prescription glasses.
The Riley prescription protective glasses offer optimal visual clarity while still complying with PPE standards. There are 12 styles to choose from the portfolio of prescription safety glasses from the brand. Customers can order completely online using an existing prescription and leverage an on-site service or order via an opticians such as Asda. This makes it easier for professionals to purchase high-quality PPE suited for their vision needs and line of work.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses can be classified as PPE in an environment with sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can cause eye issues like eye sunburn, also known as photokeratitis, which can hamper vision due to pain and blurriness. It can also increase the risk of eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. Glare from reflective surfaces such as metal can also impair vision. A worker who cannot see due to the bright light or glare may injure themselves or others or cause accidents on-site. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection or a rating of UV400 can provide protection from UV rays, protecting wearers from eye damage and vision issues. For those who need vision correction, prescription sunglasses offer clear vision without compromising sun safety. Top models like Ray-Ban’s Wayfarers and Aviators can guard against UV rays and can be customised to add a prescription for vision correction. These models also have a rich history in eye protection, with Aviators having been invented to protect pilots from glare while flying, so the brand is trusted for durability and craftsmanship. Polarised lens coatings can also add heightened protection against glare for clearer vision.
Safety goggles
Like safety glasses, safety goggles also provide protection from harmful particles and projectiles, but they also create a sealed barrier around the eyes for enhanced safety. Safety goggles are typically worn in environments that require impact or splash protection, especially when dangerous objects and debris are more likely to fly or chemical splashes are more frequent. The tight seal also helps protect the eyes from airborne particles that can enter the eye and cause irritation, pain, and even long-lasting eye damage. They’re usually fitted around the face with a head strap that can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit to prevent exposure to hazards. Safety goggles like those from Hellberg also come with an anti-scratch and anti-fog coating so wearers can enjoy unobstructed vision at all times, regardless of environmental conditions. Impact-resistant lenses also guard against any flying projectiles and won’t shatter and harm the eyes. Some styles can also be worn over prescription glasses for vision correction.
Face shields
Face shields are a type of PPE that covers most of or the entire face. A clear and curved plastic barrier hovers over the face, held in place by a strap worn around the head or a helmet or partial helmet. Face shields provide extra protection against splashes, sprays, and flying debris. They are especially helpful when dealing with chemicals or objects that can cause damage or irritation to the skin upon contact. While the face shield can protect the skin, they’re best paired with other PPE like safety eyewear or respiratory PPE, depending on the environment, job, or the materials and substances being handled by the wearer, as these dictate the level of protection needed. Some face shields can be simple plastic shields to block splashes and particles, while others are more impact-resistant and suitable for high-risk environments.
Welding masks
Welding masks or welding helmets are a specific type of PPE designed to shield the wearer’s face, eyes, and neck during welding operations. They’re meant to protect against various hazards, as welding can be a dangerous task without the right gear. Welding masks keep welders safe from intense light—called an arc flash—that emits harmful UV rays and infrared radiation, which can cause photokeratitis and lead to painful and impaired vision. Welding also generates sparks, molten metal, and debris, leading to burns and injuries to the face without sufficient protection. The welding process also involves high temperatures, and the welding mask can shield the wearer’s face and neck from the intense heat.
Choosing the right PPE
Some types of PPE for the face and eyes may be more appropriate than others, depending on certain factors. When considering what PPE should be used for specific jobs and environments, the types of hazards present in the work environment should be considered, such as impact, dust, chemicals, radiation, and more. The comfort and fit of the PPE should also match the wearer’s needs to keep vision and movement unobstructed. Safety standards should be complied with to ensure that workers get the optimal protection and can work confidently, knowing they are safe.
