A strong safety eyewear policy is an essential part of any organisation’s health and safety strategy. It protects employees from avoidable injuries, reduces downtime, and helps employers stay compliant with UK legislation. Yet many businesses still rely on vague rules or outdated PPE guidance that leaves staff unsure about what protection they need and when they should use it.
A clear, well-structured policy removes uncertainty and ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities. It also helps create a stronger safety culture across the workplace, where employees feel supported and protected.
If you are developing or updating your safety eyewear policy, the following steps will help you build one that is practical, compliant and easy for your teams to follow.
1. Begin with a thorough eye safety risk assessment
The foundation of any safety eyewear policy is a proper understanding of the hazards present in your workplace. This starts with a detailed risk assessment. Every job role and workspace should be reviewed to identify risks such as flying debris, dust, chemical splashes, bright lights, UV exposure, vapours, or biological contaminants. Digital screen work should also be considered, especially in mixed environments where staff move between offices and operational areas.
Once you have identified the hazards, you can decide what type of eye protection is required. A workshop technician will need very different eyewear compared to a laboratory analyst or forklift driver. Your policy should reflect those differences clearly.
2. Know your legal responsibilities
UK employers are required to protect employees from workplace hazards, including eye injuries. Your policy should refer to key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, which outline employers’ duty to provide appropriate personal protective equipment. Including a short explanation of EN166, the European and UK standard for protective eyewear, is also useful for ensuring the correct specification of lenses and frames.
Clarifying responsibilities for both employer and employees ensures that staff understand their obligations, helping reduce misunderstandings and improve compliance.
3. Specify the eyewear required for different tasks
One of the most important parts of your policy is a clear explanation of what safety eyewear is required for each type of work, and we advise grouping tasks by risk level. For example, low-risk environments might require lightweight safety glasses with basic impact protection. Medium-risk environments might benefit from wraparound frames and anti-fog coatings. Higher-risk environments, such as chemical processing or grinding work, may require sealed goggles or face shields.
Your policy should clearly indicate the types of safety eyewear for each task so employees can quickly identify the correct protection, in line with EN166 standards.
4. Include a process for prescription safety eyewear
A common gap in PPE policies is prescription safety glasses. Workers who need corrective lenses cannot wear standard glasses safely. Prescription versions must meet EN 166 standards for impact resistance and coverage.
Your policy should explain eligibility, the process for arranging an eye test, how orders are approved, and expected turnaround times. You should also clarify how often glasses can be replaced and the procedures for damaged eyewear. This ensures compliance with both legislation and safety best practice.
If your organisation partners with EyeMed UK, you don’t need to build all of that process from scratch, we handle it for you. Through our managed vision care platform you can issue digital vouchers to employees, who can then book a full eye and eyesight test with one of EyeMed UK’s affiliated opticians. We supply safety-certified frames (BS EN 166) in partnership with our sister company, Infield Safety UK, with prescription single-vision or multifocal lenses, so you can deliver compliant prescription safety eyewear without the administrative burden.
5. Consider comfort and fit to improve compliance
Many PPE programmes fail because employees find the safety eyewear uncomfortable, not because they are unwilling to wear it. Comfortable eyewear improves compliance significantly. Offering a choice of frame styles and sizes, adjustable nose bridges, flexible temples and lightweight materials can make a real difference.
Making comfort part of the policy shows employees that their experience matters, which can improve uptake and reduce the likelihood of unsafe behaviour, as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in their PPE guidance.
6. Provide training and ongoing guidance
Even the best safety eyewear is ineffective if employees do not understand how and when to use it. Training should cover correct fitting, cleaning, maintenance and inspection. Refreshers should be delivered annually or whenever new equipment is introduced. HSE recommends including training as part of the overall PPE programme to ensure staff are confident in its use.
7. Explain how to report issues or request replacements
Your policy should include a clear procedure for reporting damaged or missing eyewear. Employees should know who to contact and what to expect regarding replacements. Damaged PPE must never be modified, as this compromises protection. Proper storage should also be emphasised, as poor storage can lead to scratches or deformation that affect both safety and comfort.
8. Keep the policy under review
A good policy should evolve with your organisation and the working environment. Regular audits help ensure the safety eyewear remains suitable and employees are wearing it correctly. Feedback from staff can identify practical issues or comfort concerns that may not be obvious from inspections.
Safer Eyewear, Safer Workplaces
A well-written safety eyewear policy protects employees, reduces accidents and promotes a positive safety culture. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, understanding legal obligations, specifying appropriate eyewear, and considering comfort alongside compliance, you can create a policy that works in practice, not just on paper. Employees who feel informed and supported are far more likely to wear their eyewear consistently, helping to prevent injuries and maintain a safe workplace.
If you would like to learn more about EyeMed UK’s safety glasses, get in touch today.
References: HSE PPE guidance, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PPE at Work Regulations 1992, EN166 standard.