PROTECTING EYES & EARS


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PICK AND CHOOSE 3


COMFORT IS PARAMOUNT It may sound obvious but safety


eyewear is only of use if it is actually worn. The main factor that affects whether or not employees wear their safety protection is comfort. Indeed, research recently undertaken by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare revealed that 78% of employers worry that staff remove safety eyewear if it is not comfortable.


One way to provide a comfortable fit for any eyewear is by allowing employees to actually try it on before purchase. This means that procurement from a website or catalogue is not always the best option. Different styles and materials will alter the way safety eyewear feels. Some employees may, for example, prefer plastic frames for their lighter weight. The important point is to give them a choice and a chance to make the decision for themselves.


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FIT FOR PURPOSE To make certain that the safety


eyewear will perform the function for which it is designed, it is important to ensure it fits properly. Specsavers Corporate Eyecare’s research revealed that less than one-third (32%) of employees receive their eyewear during an appointment for fitting with a qualified optician. Besides ensuring fitness for purpose, correct fitting of safety eyewear will also help to ensure its comfort when worn for longer periods of time.


It is generally best to arrange for an expert to provide an individual fitting service. A qualified optometrist will be able to adjust the eyewear to ensure it fits correctly and this service can be included in eyecare voucher schemes. Safety eyewear is now available not only in a variety of styles but also in different fits. It is only through trying on different styles and being professionally fitted for eyewear that an employee may find they need a wider style, for example.


www.tomorrowshs.com


AESTHETICS ARE IMPORTANT The look of safety eyewear should


not be discounted. Our research showed that the vast majority (88%) of safety managers attached importance to the aesthetics of safety eyewear. Although functionality should always be the main consideration, if employees do not like the way their safety glasses look, they are less likely to wear them.


The key here is to provide employees with as wide a range of glasses to choose from as possible. In recent years the ranges and options for safety eyewear have expanded greatly. They are now available in male, female and


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With so much equipment to buy, it can be difficult to keep the important factors in mind. Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, underlines the top five considerations to make when procuring safety eyewear.


unisex designs, with a choice of colours and even wraparound styles. Indeed, our research showed a surprisingly high proportion of safety managers (91%) believed that, when selecting a provider, it is important they have a good range of eyewear to choose from.


INSTIL CONFIDENCE Employees must have confidence


in the safety eyewear they use. They want to know their eyes are well protected. It is important for the employer to know that they are providing the best possible level of eye protection, as they have a duty of care for the wellbeing of their employees.


Expert fitting will help to inspire confidence but the reputation of the provider and the quality of the product may be equally important. All safety eyewear must conform to European standards, which should be clearly marked on the frames and lens of each pair. Reputable suppliers will generally also provide a 12-month guarantee for their eyewear.


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REMOVE THE ADMIN Making the purchase and


management procedure for eyecare as simple as possible should save time, and therefore money, for all involved. A simple voucher scheme to cover safety eyewear can make the procurement process virtually administration free. eVouchers have transformed the way eyecare is purchased, allocated and managed, allowing safety managers to place orders, allocate vouchers to relevant members of staff and review real- time redemption reports online. Vouchers can be emailed directly from the system to the employee, who can redeem their voucher at any Specsavers store to obtain their eyecare entitlement, even using their smartphone to do so.


www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate


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