Despite the availability of certified safety eyewear, eye injuries remain alarmingly common, often due to ill-fitting, inappropriate eyewear, or eyewear not being worn at all. Clair Weston, Head of Marketing at uvex, explains why wearability is key to ensuring compliance and protecting workers effectively.
A significant development in the new EN ISO 16321 standard is the formal recognition that safety eyewear must fit the individual, be comfortable and practical to be worn consistently. In other words, wearability matters.
But what is wearability? It’s more than just comfort. Wearability is a comprehensive concept that ensures protective eyewear is functional and tailored to the individual. It combines four essential elements: fit, comfort, performance, and style. When these elements work together, workers are more likely to wear their eyewear properly and continuously, improving safety across all environments.
Fit: one size doesn’t fit all
Safety eyewear isn’t universally fitting. Proper fit is essential to avoid accidents, reduce discomfort allowing wearers to remain focused and productive. The updated EN ISO 16321 standard emphasises this by requiring testing on six diverse head forms to represent 95% of the global population. Look for an eyewear supplier that offers a broad product range designed to accommodate variations in facial structures and head sizes, and ideally offer fit clinics ensuring a personalised fit for every individual.
Comfort: A direct line to compliance
Comfort directly influences compliance. Eyewear that pinches, slips, or fogs is less likely to be worn consistently. Products that are lightweight, breathable, pressure-free, and non-slip, considering factors like movement and compatibility with other PPE can significantly enhance comfort. When eyewear fits well and is comfortable, it is more likely to be worn consistently, reducing the risk of eye injuries.
Performance: Technology you can rely on
EN ISO 16321 includes enhanced optical requirements, with a focus on evaluating the field of view and luminous transmittance. Buyers should consider innovative lens coatings, such as hydrophilic anti-fog technology, which helps prevent fogging and ensures clear vision in challenging environments for enhanced safety. High-performance safety eyewear integrates quality materials with advanced technology. Key features to look for include permanent coatings that remain effective even after cleaning, offering value for money and long-term cost savings, as well as lens filters such as UV400 protection that blocks harmful UV radiation up to 400 nm, and blue light blocking filters up to 450 nm. These technologies not only protect against impact but also support the health and wellbeing of the wearer by reducing eye strain and improving visual comfort. Manufacturers who manage the entire value chain, from raw materials to final assembly, can ensure excellence and high quality at every stage.
Style: Safety that looks good
Aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in wearability. Employees are more inclined to wear eyewear that looks and feels good. Look for products that merge high performance with modern designs, boosting confidence and ensuring that protective gear is worn consistently.
Prescription safety eyewear: Tailored protection
Individuals who require prescription lenses can benefit from safety prescription spectacles that are tailored to their specific vision needs. This ensures optimal clarity and protection, providing prescription wearers with the same level of protection as their peers.
Innovative features enhancing wearability
Duo component technology: Combining hard and soft materials around critical areas like the brow, nose, and side arms, this injection moulding technology ensures a secure, comfortable fit without compromising protection.
High-quality materials: look for suppliers who offer a range of lens materials and coatings, including anti-fog and anti-reflective options, enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain.
Goggle compatibility: Safety goggles should be designed to accommodate spectacle wearers, featuring specially designed recesses to prevent discomfort from pressure on the temples.
The role of health & safety professionals
Health and safety professionals are pivotal in selecting appropriate protective eyewear. By assessing workplace hazards and understanding employee needs, they can ensure the chosen eyewear offers adequate protection. Involving employees in the selection process and prioritising wearability significantly enhances adoption and compliance, thereby reducing the risk of eye injuries.
Conclusion
Wearability is the cornerstone of effective safety eyewear. By prioritising fit, comfort, performance, and style, uvex ensures that its products are not only worn but remain worn, providing continuous protection. Health and safety professionals and procurement teams must work together to select the right eyewear, ensuring that all employees are protected.
For more information on uvex wearability and our range of safety eyewear, click here
