Helping Workers Throughout Wisconsin For Over 30 Years

Why should I wear safety goggles?

On Behalf of | May 22, 2019 | Workplace Safety

Safety goggles may not be the most fashionable thing to wear, but if you work in certain fields in Wisconsin, they can be one of the most important pieces of safety gear you wear. It is essential to understand just how much they protect you so you can understand why you should always wear them when your employer requires it.

There is a very good reason why you get safety goggles issued to you and that is to protect your eyes. It is that simple. According to the American Optometric Association, safety goggles prevent one of the most common injuries in the workplace: eye injuries. Not only can goggles prevent injury but they can lessen injury as well. They stop debris from flying into your eye and serve as a shield against anything that may come at your eye.

It is not enough to just wear goggles. You need to wear the right type of goggles. If you work in a situation with flying debris, then you need full coverage glasses that have side protection. If you work with anything that can splash, you need even more protection with sealed goggles that form to your face. You want to be sure that nothing can get between your eyes and the goggles.

Your employer should alert you to times when you need to wear safety glasses or goggles. In most cases, your employer will provide them. If you wear prescription glasses, you may have to get a special pair designed to serve as safety glasses. While you can put side shields on regular glasses, the actual design of your regular glasses may not be enough to protect you in some situations. So, always check what type of goggles you need. This information is for education and is not legal advice.