Eye injuries… you rarely see them coming.

An alarming number of all reported eye injuries occur in the workplace, ranging from mild eye strain to more severe injuries, with the potential to cause permanent damage, vision loss and blindness. Protecting workers from eye injuries can be a challenge. However, with the use of proper eyewear, it is estimated that 90% of recorded eye injuries are preventable. Keeping eye injuries at bay requires every employee to consistently wear the appropriate protective eyewear, at all times, but is it really that simple?

Preventing work place eye injuries.

The eye is an intricate and highly delicate organ, with permanent vision loss occurring from relatively minor injuries. Any job that involves airborne particles or hazardous substances carries the risk of eye trauma. The bulk of eye injuries take place when workers do not use protective eyewear, or do not wear the proper type:

• Not wearing eye protection - nearly three out of every five workers injured are not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident.
• Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job - wearing the wrong type of safety eyewear can be just as hazardous as not wearing any at all. It is estimated that 40% of workers suffering from eye injuries were, in fact, wearing some form of eye protection when the accident occurred, however, they were most likely sporting eyewear that offered inadequate protection.

Most workplace eye injuries attributed to impact, dust, chemicals, heat, ultraviolet radiation and visible radiation can be avoided by taking simple precautions for a lifetime of good vision. That is, by wearing eye protection, and above all, ensuring that it is suits the task at hand and complies with relevant local standards for industrial applications.

Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection can be just as hazardous as not wearing any at all. When selecting the correct protective eyewear, you need to consider the following factors:

1. Understanding lens markings - lens markings assist in identifying their intended use by pointing out their impact rating, confirming the eyewear matches the hazard and is fit for purpose.
2. Lens colour/type - selecting the appropriate lens colour and type comes down to the application and environment of the worker.
3. Ensure the eyewear fits well - improperly fitted or incorrectly worn safety eyewear may not provide adequate protection appropriate to the hazards and tasks and may increase the chance of eye injury.

Helping you see clearly, longer.

In 2017, two of the most trusted brands in protective eyewear, 3M and Scott Safety, were brought together. We are now continuing the next step forward with our new look packaging for the same models you have come to love as we focus on workplace eye safety to provide cutting edge safety solutions you can count on. Our range is available in a wide spectrum of tints and styles that include the following features and benefits (dependant on the model selected):

3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector Anti-Fog Coating

• Resists fogging longer than traditional anti-fog coatings, even after washing 25+ times with water*
• Helps workers see clearly for longer

Polycarbonate lenses

• Absorb 99.9% UVA & UVB rays
• Meet the requirements of AS/NZS1337.1 standard as an impact-rated spectacle

3M™ Pressure Diffusion Temple Technology

• Self-adjusting temples helps diffuse pressure over the ears for a secure, comfortable fit

Multiple lens colours

• Available in many different tints that serve various purposes, depending on the job at hand and your environment

Removable foam-lined gasket

• Helps keep debris out of your eyes while providing comfort and cushioning

Eye protection has never looked so good.

When it comes to compliance, acceptance and use; comfort, style, protection, compatibility and fit are all equally important. Below we highlight our Focus 5 range. Premium and stylish protective eyewear that takes comfort and security to the next level to meet the demands of all applications, be it metalworking, oil and gas, construction, utilities, and other physically demanding environments where protective eyewear is required.

Workplace eye injuries can affect workers of all ages in nearly every industry. With your safety in our sights, we research and develop high-quality eye protection solutions for your work, your environment and your unique optical requirements. 3M is dedicated to advancing protection in sight, helping ensure that you return home from work with your vision intact and your sight uncompromised. Eye protection is a critical item of PPE in the workplace. Need help choosing the right eye protection? Have concerns about the right fit? Reach out to a 3M Safety Specialist for more information or explore our Protective Eyewear Catalogue.