It’s easy to underestimate how fragile our eyes are, and how easily they can be harmed at work.. In fact, 48% of UK employees believe their job poses a risk to their eye health, highlighting how common workplace eye hazards can be.
Employees in physically demanding roles such as carpentry, construction, and maintenance, face a higher risk. But office-based workers are far from immune: prolonged screen use can cause eye strain, while everyday accidents, such as chemical splashes from cleaning products or contact with office equipment, can result in serious injury.
Beyond the human impact, workplace eye injuries carry significant business costs. Lost productivity, medical expenses, insurance claims, and potential regulatory fines all take a toll on organisations. Moreover, frequent eye-related incidents can damage workplace morale, reduce employee confidence, and increase absenteeism, creating a ripple effect that affects teams and overall performance. For HR and business leaders, this makes eye health not just a matter of personal safety, but a key component of risk management, employee wellbeing, and organisational resilience.
How Safety Glasses Protect Employees
Safety glasses are designed to prevent these accidents. Unlike regular glasses, they are built to withstand impact, resist chemicals, and shield against dust or sparks. High-quality safety glasses often come with anti-fog coatings, UV protection, and scratch resistance, making them practical for prolonged use. Polycarbonate lenses, for example, are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses.
EyeMed UK and our sister company, INFIELD Safety UK, offer specialist safety glasses designed to meet a wide range of workplace needs, from protection against dust, dirt, and debris to hazards such as fumes, sparks, and other risks. Our mission is simple: to keep your people safe with high-quality eyewear. We supply protective glasses for medical, construction, and manufacturing environments, as well as driving glasses for couriers and delivery drivers, and specialist solutions for unique workplace requirements.
Be sure to ask about our INFIELD range of non-prescription safety glasses, engineered for ultimate protection and comfort.
Legal Requirements and Industry Standards
In the UK, employers are legally required to provide appropriate eye protection under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 also outline obligations for PPE, including safety glasses. Compliance not only protects employees but also shields businesses from legal consequences.
All safety glasses sold in the UK must meet BS EN 166 standards, ensuring a consistent level of protection against impact, chemicals, and optical quality. Investing in certified eyewear is not optional, it’s a legal necessity.
Creating a Culture of Eye Safety
Providing safety glasses is just the first step. Businesses must also foster a culture where employees actually wear them. Studies show that eye injuries are more likely when staff skip protective eyewear because it is uncomfortable or perceived as unnecessary. EyeMed UK offers tailored solutions, ensuring workers in various roles get glasses suited to their environment. Comfort and fit are crucial as employees are more likely to wear glasses consistently when they are lightweight, adjustable, and designed for their specific risks.
To reinforce this, businesses can use visual reminders and safety campaigns to encourage regular use and make eye protection a normal part of daily routines. EyeMed UK’s comprehensive service goes beyond supplying eyewear, we provide the guidance, training, and support that ensure employees understand the importance of using it.
Safety glasses are far more than a box-ticking exercise, they are an investment in employee wellbeing. Proper eyewear reduces injuries, prevents downtime, and ensures compliance with UK law. By prioritising eye protection and fostering a culture of safety, businesses can safeguard their most valuable asset: their people.
For more information on our safety eyewear range, get in touch with us today.