Over 800,000 people around America will experience a serious injury to their eyes this year. Of that number, 125,000 or more will injure their eyes at home, while the remaining injuries are work-related. The statistics provided by the American Association for the Prevention of Blindness are staggering, particularly when you realize nearly all those injuries could be prevented by the use of safety glasses.

The Case for Safety Glasses

Some jobs obviously require safety glasses. Others may not require them, but circumstances dictate they should be worn to prevent possible eye injury. Anytime you’re working around flying debris, safety glasses are warranted. It’s the same with any project that may irritate your eyes, or that presents the possibility of something getting in your eyes. Even some sports and recreational activities can be made safer for your eyes by wearing special eyewear.

Mowing the lawn wouldn’t seem like an activity where safety glasses are necessary, yet lawn mowers constantly kick up small particles, including pebbles.  You may not think it’s necessary to wear glasses while frying food, but one big splatter and a bit of hot grease in your eye will make you think again.

Safety Features to Look For

Unfortunately, every pair of eyewear labeled as safety glasses may not have the safety features you need for your job or project. In some instances, you will need full coverage – the lenses need to be fully enclosed and reinforced. Such is the case for welding, using a chainsaw, and other jobs where flying sparks or debris could injure your eyes.

Do you need heavy duty protection? Look for codes that tell you the eyewear meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  When the manufacturer states the glasses meet the ANSI Z87.1 regulation for protective lenses, you know you are getting the right pair for the job.

You need to be able to see your work, so anti-fog features are a must in situations where you are likely to sweat. Lenses with anti-fog components built in are available. Side ventilation is one of the common features with these types of safety glasses.

If you normally wear corrective glasses, you may want to purchase a pair of safety glasses that fit over your prescription glasses. A better, but more expensive alternative is to have your prescription lenses fitted into the safety goggles or glasses. This is particularly advantageous in the work environment. Often, employers will pay all or part of the cost.

Is the eyewear comfortable? If you are constantly removing your safety glasses because they don’t fit properly or they are uncomfortable in some way, you probably aren’t wearing them consistently while working. Eyewear that restricts vision or movement can be annoying as well as dangerous. Be sure your safety glasses fit well and provide the freedom of movement and clear vision you need.

Your eyesight is precious; you need to do everything you can to protect it. Most of the victims of eye injury could have prevented the situation by wearing safety eyewear. Still, among those hundreds of thousands of people are those whose eye injuries were due to negligence or harm caused by another person. In those instances, legal recourse is an option the injured party may need to pursue. The Frohlich, Gordon & Beason law firm provides that type of legal assistance for the residents of Port Charlotte, FL, and the surrounding areas.

From your initial complimentary consultation to the end of your case, our attorneys will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve for your injury. We take pride in advocating for justice for our friends, neighbors, and clients in the Port Charlotte, FL, area. Contact us for more information when you have legal concerns.