Every day, thousands of workers suffer eye injuries that lead to lost work time, medical expenses, and sometimes permanent damage. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict regulations to protect employees from eye hazards in the workplace. As an employer, understanding and implementing these requirements is critical to ensuring worker safety and compliance with the law.
OSHA Standards for Eye Protection
OSHA’s eye and face protection requirements are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.133 for general industry and 29 CFR 1926.102 for construction. These regulations require employers to ensure that workers use appropriate eye and face protection when exposed to potential hazards such as:
Flying particles
Chemical splashes
Molten metal
Harmful radiation
Dust and debris
Electrical hazards
Employers must assess workplace hazards and select the proper eye protection to mitigate risks effectively.
Types of OSHA-Approved Eye Protection
OSHA mandates that all protective eyewear must meet the ANSI Z87.1-2020 standard set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Common types of approved eye protection include:
Safety Glasses: Designed to protect against impact and minor debris, often with side shields for added protection.
Goggles: Provide a seal around the eyes, offering protection against chemical splashes, dust, and impact hazards.
Face Shields: Cover the entire face and are used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles for extra protection against chemical and radiation exposure.
Welding Helmets and Shields: Equipped with special lenses to protect against harmful radiation, sparks, and molten metal.
To comply with OSHA’s eye protection regulations, employers must:
Conduct a Hazard Assessment – Identify potential eye hazards in the workplace and determine the appropriate protective equipment.
Provide Approved Eye Protection – Ensure that employees receive and use OSHA-compliant eyewear suitable for their tasks.
Train Employees – Educate workers on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of their protective eyewear.
Enforce Usage – Implement policies that require the consistent use of eye protection in hazardous areas.
Replace Damaged Equipment – Regularly inspect eyewear and replace any equipment that is scratched, broken, or otherwise compromised.
Employers who fail to enforce OSHA eye protection standards risk penalties, fines, and worker injuries. Common violations include:
Not conducting a proper hazard assessment
Providing non-ANSI-compliant eyewear
Failing to enforce eye protection policies
Neglecting to train employees on proper use
To avoid these violations, employers should integrate eye protection policies into their overall workplace safety program and conduct regular safety audits.
The Bottom Line
Eye injuries are preventable with the right protective measures in place. By adhering to OSHA's eye protection requirements, employers can safeguard their workforce, reduce liability, and create a safer work environment. Regular training, proper equipment, and enforcement of safety protocols will help ensure compliance and keep employees safe from avoidable injuries.