Why Workplace Eye Protection Matters
Each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers receive medical treatment because of eye injuries that happened on the job. And eye injuries at work cost businesses about $300 million a year in medical bills, lost pay and lower productivity. However, many of these injuries can be avoided.
Workplace injury is the leading cause of eye trauma, vision loss, disability and blindness and can interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job and carry out normal activities. Employers and workers need to be aware of the risks to their eyesight, especially if they work in high-risk industries. Protective eyewear like safety glasses with side shields, goggles, face shields and welding helmets can protect workers from common hazards like flying wood chips, hot sparks or splashes from molten metals.
What Types of Jobs Require Safety Glasses?
1. Construction
Arizona is among the top five states for construction, according to a recent report from the Associated Builders and Contractors. Workers deal with dust, debris and flying objects daily. These contaminants can easily blow through the air and land in workers’ eyes. In fact, the majority of eye injuries construction workers face are due to scrapes or strikes by objects like dust, cement chips or wood slivers. More serious eye injuries requiring emergency care might occur when sharp objects like staples, nails, wood chips or metal slivers cut into the eyeball. Some construction crews may use various chemicals, like acids, fuel, cleaners and gels that can severely damage the eyes. These chemicals can easily splash or drip into eyes or create toxic fumes and mists that can affect a worker’s ability to see. Safety glasses with side shields can protect construction workers’ eyes from these types of injuries. For those working outside, tinted lenses on safety glasses also reduce glare from the sun.
2. Manufacturing & Industrial Work
Manufacturing plants and machine shops often involve high-speed equipment, cutting tools and grinding machinery that send bits of metal, plastic or glass flying through the air. These small, fast-moving particles can easily injure unprotected eyes. Sparks from welding, soldering or metal cutting pose burn risks, while chemical handling in industrial settings adds a splash hazard. Workers in food processing, electronics and plastics may also encounter pressurized systems or chemical vapors. Some environments, like pharmaceutical or semiconductor manufacturing, also require cleanroom safety glasses to prevent contamination while still providing protection. Anti-fog, scratch-resistant safety glasses provide clear, uninterrupted vision and strong impact protection, especially when equipped with sealed edges or face shields for high-risk tasks.
3. Healthcare & Laboratories
In healthcare, the risk of eye exposure comes from both biological and chemical hazards. Nurses, doctors, lab techs and dental professionals may encounter bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids and aerosols, particularly during procedures. In laboratories, chemical splashes from reagents or accidental spills can cause serious eye damage. Tasks like centrifuging, pipetting or working under hoods can increase the chance of accidental exposure to harmful substances. Safety glasses with wraparound frames and anti-fog coatings help block fluid droplets and airborne particles, especially in fast-paced environments. Some medical-grade safety eyewear also includes side shields or full-face protection for added coverage.
4. Welding & Metalwork
Welders and metalworkers are exposed to intense light, heat and flying debris daily. The bright flashes produced during arc welding can cause “welder’s flash” or photokeratitis, which is a painful eye condition caused by UV exposure. Sparks and hot metal shavings can also burn the eyes or cause permanent damage. Grinding metal after a weld or using a plasma cutter can send fragments in all directions, increasing the risk of high-velocity eye injuries. To prevent these injuries, workers need specialized safety glasses or goggles with the correct shade of tinted lenses to block harmful UV and infrared radiation. In some cases, a full face shield is also recommended for maximum protection against heat and impact.
5. Automotive & Woodworking
In both automotive repair and woodworking, the biggest eye hazards include flying debris like sawdust, wood chips, metal shavings and pressurized fluids. During tasks like sanding, grinding or brake dust cleaning, fine particles can easily get into the eyes. In auto shops, workers may also face chemical splashes from battery acid, brake fluid or cleaning solvents. Air-powered tools and cutting equipment can also unexpectedly discharge particles toward the face, making consistent eye protection vital. For these environments, safety glasses with sealed edges and tough polycarbonate lenses offer essential protection. Anti-fog coatings help maintain visibility during physically demanding tasks, and wraparound styles prevent particles from entering from the sides.
Protect Workers’ Eyes with the IndustrialEyes Safety Glasses Discount Program
Available as an add-on to most DeltaVision plans, the IndustrialEyes safety glasses discount program helps businesses whose workers are at high risk for eye injuries save money and protect their employees. On average, workers with access to the IndustrialEyes safety eyewear discount program save 40-60% on the cost of their ANSI-certified safety glasses. Here are some of the features of the IndustrialEyes program:
- Customizable Options for Safety Glasses Coverage: IndustrialEyes is customizable to meet your workplace specifications. You decide which options and coverage amounts are offered.
- Maximum Savings and Convenience for Employees: With over 1,500 participating locations in the IndustrialEyes program, including LensCrafters and Target Optical, your employees can get workplace safety glasses at a location and time that’s convenient for them. (Many locations also offer evening and weekend hours!) Plus, all IndustrialEyes providers also accept DeltaVision benefits so your employees can use their regular vision benefits at the same time.
- Hassle-free Administration for Employers: We’re known for making benefits simple and easy, which is why we’ve set up our IndustrialEyes safety glasses discount program to be easy for you too. When you decide to include IndustrialEyes as part of your DeltaVision coverage, you’ll be asked to fill out a quick program participation form. After employees buy their safety glasses for work, you’ll simply be invoiced for the purchase (unless you opt for a fully member-paid arrangement). That’s it! No enrollment. No administrative fees. No monthly files to update. Just a simple way to keep your team safe!
If you’re interested in offering your employees a DeltaVision plan with IndustrialEyes, submit this form and a representative will be in touch with more information. If you’re an existing DeltaVision client who wants to add our safety glasses discount program, contact your account executive.*
Protect Your Workforce’s Vision
Eye protection should be a top priority. With IndustrialEyes, you can reduce injuries, cut costs and show employees you care about their safety. Providing the right safety glasses today helps prevent accidents and expensive medical bills down the road.
*Please note that the IndustrialEyes program does not include some of the specific safety eyewear solutions mentioned in this blog. Be sure to speak with your account executive for more details on what’s included.
