EAR & EYE PROTECTION
SAFETY INSIGHT
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare recently commissioned research to determine the approaches taken by UK employers
in regards to providing adequate safety eyewear at work. Here, they present the key findings.
As it is so easy to damage your eyes, finding the most appropriate safety eyewear is vital. For those with 20/20 vision –normal eyesight without wearing glasses - safety eyewear is relatively straightforward. For those who wear glasses, however, the options can be a little more complex.
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has undertaken research to establish the approaches used by employers across the UK. The survey was carried out among over 500 senior decision makers involved in the welfare of employees.
USE OF OVER-GOGGLES The figures reveal that over half (54%) of employers provide safety over-goggles to those who wear everyday glasses.
There are two initial issues with providing over-goggles for employees who wear glasses. Firstly, simply wearing two sets of appliances can be awkward and uncomfortable in itself. Secondly, it can cause an increase in light reflection between the two sets of lenses, which can impact the quality of vision. Both difficulties affect the comfort of the safety eyewear, and research has shown on numerous occasions that comfort and fit is vital in helping to ensure that it is actually worn.
The time when over-goggles are most likely to be considered a satisfactory solution is when visitors make brief and infrequent trips to a PPE designated area. Any employee who needs glasses for everyday tasks and requires safety eyewear regularly or for any length of time would benefit from prescription safety glasses.
AESTHETICS Another issue with over-goggles in particular, and safety eyewear in general, is how it looks. Our research revealed that over two-thirds (67%) of employers felt that the design of safety eyewear was important, in that a more modern and appealing style would make employees more likely to wear it. Over a third (35%) of employers said employees would be much more likely to wear such aesthetically pleasing eyewear.
The designs of prescription safety eyewear have come a long way in the last few years. While it is unlikely that anyone would ever like the look of wearing everyday glasses with goggles on top, it is easy to see how today’s prescription safety eyewear could be classed
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as appealing. Frames are available in a great range of designs, including sporty looks and wraparound styles. There are now numerous colour ranges, and glasses come in male, female and unisex designs.
PRESCRIPTION SAFETY EYEWEAR Specsavers’ research showed that over a third (36%) of employers do provide prescription safety eyewear for glasses wearers. While this is encouraging, it still leaves a great many employees who may be struggling with over-goggles. This may be due to a lack of understanding from employers regarding the benefits and simplicity of prescription safety eyewear.
Providing prescription safety eyewear need not be a complicated or time-consuming process. It is possible to purchase eVouchers to cover the complete requirements in one easy step. This can incorporate various frame and lens options, including bifocals and varifocals.
BENEFITS OF EYE CARE There is no obligation under the health and safety regulations for employers to provide an eye test linked to the provision of safety eyewear but, if the employer is providing prescription safety eyewear then it makes sense to provide an eye examination to determine the most current prescription required.
The research showed that less than half (47%) of employers whose staff require safety eyewear, provide them with regular eye examinations. This may well be a false economy as not only are eye examinations a low-cost but highly valued benefit, they can also help with the detection of eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. Moreover, because it is possible to view the blood vessels at the back of the eye, an eye examination can also help to detect systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems and risk of stroke, in a non-invasive manner.
www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate www.tomorrowshs.com
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