Eye and face protection is as vital as ever in the skilled trades. In 2020, there were more than 18,000 eye injuries in American workplaces, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with metal workers alone accounting for more than 1,000 of them. In addition to the harm caused to workers, each documented case resulted in at least one day away from work, leading to a decrease in productivity.
Choosing suitable eye and face protection begins with understanding the different hazards that trade professionals face every day. With a wide array of options to choose from, workers might consider the benefits of modular systems that protect their eyes and face as well as their head.
Potential hazards
The negative impacts of eye and facial injuries can run from mild pain, blurring and temporary vision loss to severe ocular damage, permanent blindness and disfigurement.
To mitigate these negative impacts, workers and employers must first be aware of the specific hazards they face on the jobsite. OSHA lists the following examples of potential hazards to a worker’s eyes and face.
Debris and particulate matter: Dust, dirt, bits of stone or metal shrapnel that are kicked up by power and hand tool activities, such as sawing, grinding, chipping, hammering and drilling.
Corrosive substances: Chemicals, hot liquids and other toxic or corrosive solvents that workers are exposed to while using paints, lacquers, varnishes, cleaning materials, adhesives and other coatings.
Flying objects: Impacts from tools, chunks of debris, chains or ropes that might be accidentally or forcefully propelled into a worker’s eyes or face while on the jobsite.
Tips for suitable selections
Work-related eye injuries tend to occur for two main reasons, according to the American Optometric Association: Either the worker was wearing the wrong kind of eye protection or they weren’t wearing any at all.
To protect their workers, contractors and companies must ensure that they are always equipped with quality personal protective equipment (PPE) that is suitable for the job at hand.
OSHA recommends checking for the following elements when determining a suitable form of eye and face protection.
Protective ability: Identify the specific hazards that workers face on the jobsite and choose a form of eye and face protection that matches those specific hazards. For reference, all new eye and face PPE must meet the minimum protection requirements set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Proper fit: Eye and face PPE must fit precisely enough to provide comprehensive coverage while also being comfortable enough to avoid excessive adjustments that might inadvertently expose the user to workplace hazards.
Vision and mobility: Suitable eye and face PPE should provide the user with unrestricted vision and movement.
Durability and cleanability: In addition to protecting against specific hazards like impacts or chemical splashes, eye and face PPE should be built to weather the harsh conditions of a construction jobsite over time.
Compatibility with other PPE: Suitable eye and face PPE should be able to seamlessly function alongside other forms of workplace protective equipment, such as safety helmets and earmuffs.
Modular protection
Workers have a wide variety of eye and face PPE options from which to choose. Depending on the application, the most suitable choice might range from a pair of safety glasses or goggles to a wraparound welding shield.
There are also modular PPE systems that allow the user to secure a wide range of interchangeable eye and face protection accessories onto a single head protection solution. One example is the Bolt head protection and accessory system from Milwaukee Tool.
A line of safety helmets and hardhats, Bolt head protection is designed for both durability and compatibility. Once equipped with the safety helmet or hard hat, workers can seamlessly integrate any Bolt accessories, including eye visors, face shields, sun protection and the Bolt RedLithium USB headlamp, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable solution for their specific needs. These components can be combined to create a fully customized head protection setup tailored to various applications, ultimately providing improved efficiency and productivity on the jobsite.
Eye visors: Bolt eye visors are rated ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 (+) – 2020. The lenses are treated with an anti-scratch exterior coating and fog-free interior coating. Designed to comfortably fit a wide range of face shapes, the visors are simple to install and feature dual pivot points for easy adjustment. They also include a low-profile mounting point that is compatible with most headlamps.
Face shields: Full face shields are also available for situations that require greater protective coverage. Also rated ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 (+) – 2020, the face shields are made of high-impact polycarbonate material and similarly feature fog-free interior and anti-scratch exterior hard coatings.
Shade W5 replacement lens: Optimal for hot work applications, such as brazing, soldering, torch cutting and acetylene welding, the Task full face shield shade W5 replacement lens is designed to exceed ANSI/ISEA 87.1 when used in conjunction with the Bolt Task full face shield replacement frame. For workers on the job, it is important to refer to ANSI and/or OSHA shade requirements for the given task to ensure proper protection. Compatible with the Bolt Task full face shield frame and a part of the Bolt system, attaching and removing the shield is quick and tool free, providing ultimate compatibility for protection on the job.
Elevating safety
To further enhance the functionality of the Bolt system, Milwaukee Tool continues to innovate and expand its range of compatible accessories. This ongoing development ensures that workers can adapt their head protection to meet evolving jobsite demands and specific safety requirements. By integrating various components into a single, adaptable system, the Bolt system not only provides superior protection, but also streamlines the process of equipping and reconfiguring safety gear.
This approach not only improves safety but also enhances productivity as workers can focus more on their tasks without being hindered by cumbersome or inadequate PPE. The Bolt system, built on helmets and hard hats, enables simultaneous use of multiple accessories and quick swaps, ensuring protection and productivity on the jobsite.
As workers are routinely exposed to hazards that put them at increased risk of injury, addressing safety concerns requires understanding the specific hazards present on the jobsite and selecting PPE that meets these needs. Effective eye and face PPE should offer a secure and comfortable fit, allowing for clear vision and unrestricted movement. It should also be durable enough to withstand harsh jobsite conditions while integrating seamlessly with other PPE, such as helmets and headlamps.
Manufacturers driving innovation in modular protective systems offer a promising solution. Systems such as the Bolt head protection and accessory system allow workers to customize their protective gear, ensuring they are adequately equipped for various jobsite demands. By providing superior protection and streamlining the process of equipping and reconfiguring safety gear, these solutions enhance both safety and productivity, working to reduce the risk of injury and allow workers to focus on the job at hand.
