Safety glasses are essential for protecting eyes from impact, dust, chemicals and other hazards at work. Yet one of the biggest challenges employers face is ensuring that staff wear them consistently. Non-compliance is rarely a matter of attitude. More often, it comes down to comfort and fit.
Glasses that are heavy, pinch the nose, fog up or slide down are naturally avoided. Even small discomforts can become distracting during long shifts. Focusing on comfort and fit is critical for genuine PPE compliance, as emphasised by the Health and Safety Executive in their workplace guidance.
Why Comfort Matters
Discomfort is one of the main reasons safety glasses are removed at the wrong time. Employees might take them off to wipe fog, relieve pressure on the nose or because they are irritating. In environments with flying debris or chemicals, even a brief removal can be dangerous. Comfortable eyewear encourages continuous use. Glasses that feel like every day eyewear are far more likely to be worn consistently, which improves both safety and productivity.
What Makes Safety Glasses Comfortable
Comfort starts with fit and weight. Lightweight frames reduce pressure on the nose and ears. Soft, adjustable nose pads allow glasses to sit securely without pinching. Flexible temple arms prevent squeezing and keep glasses stable during movement. Wraparound frames follow the natural contours of the face, improving stability and coverage.
At EyeMed UK, we understand that fit and comfort vary from person to person. That is why our safety glasses, supplied in partnership with Infield Safety UK, come in multiple styles and sizes, including options for prescription lenses. All our designs meet BS EN 166 standards for impact resistance and coverage, giving employees safety without compromise.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Every workforce has a range of face shapes and sizes. A single style of safety glasses rarely suits everyone. Nose shape, temple width, eye spacing and facial proportions all affect comfort. Offering a selection of frame styles and sizes allows employees to find the glasses that suit them best, improving compliance and satisfaction.
Style and Practicality
Appearance matters too. Modern, sleek designs are far more popular than bulky, outdated models. At the same time, lens coatings such as anti-fog and anti-scratch improve comfort and usability. Outdoor workers benefit from UV protection and tinted lenses that reduce glare. These features make safety glasses both practical and comfortable, in line with HSE guidance.
Try Before You Buy
A fit session where employees try different models helps identify which glasses work best. Involving staff in the selection process ensures the safety glasses will be worn and increases engagement and ongoing compliance. EyeMed UK’s managed vision care service makes this simple, providing high-quality safety glasses with minimal effort for employers.
Training Supports Comfort
Sometimes discomfort comes from incorrect usage rather than design. Training on adjusting nose pads, positioning temple arms, cleaning lenses correctly and storing glasses properly can make a big difference to comfort, usability and the lifespan of the eyewear.
Focusing on comfort and fit is the best way to make safety glasses a natural part of the working day. Partnering with EyeMed UK and Infield Safety UK gives you access to world-class frames, EN 166 certified lenses and a fully managed service designed to make safety glasses practical, comfortable and fully compliant. Glasses that fit well and feel good are more likely to be worn consistently, keeping employees safe and confident on the job.
For more information on our safety glasses range, get in touch with us today.