Why You Should Consider Foam-Lined Eye & Face Protection

By: Claudio Dente, Contributor

Dentec Safety’s DustDevil™ is foam-lined eyewear that also has anti-fog and UVA- and impact protection features. Image courtesy of Dentec Safety.

Although eye and face protection are some of the most used personal protective products in industry, many workers are still exposed to hazards, and suffer serious consequences. According to the CNIB Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting people with vision loss, about 5% of the estimated 1,000 eye injuries that occur in North American workplaces each day will be “debilitating enough to interfere with work on a short-or long-term basis.”

OSHA regulations and Canada’s Health and Safety Act make it clear that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that a worker’s eyes and face are protected from any hazard that might be in the workplace. Having said this, eye and face hazards are one of the simplest hazards to identify and protect against. If a worker is in danger of having anything solid or liquid inadvertently coming into contact with these parts of the body, then protection must be provided.

Among the many types of safety eyewear that are available, foam-lined eyewear is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing segments in the sector. If you or your employees are currently not wearing foam-lined eyewear, here are the top four reasons why you should consider upgrading your eye protection to include it.

1. Reduced Injury Risks

Even though most industries have implemented eye and face protection programs for their employees, what we are seeing is that injuries are still occurring because dust, dirt and debris are getting behind the eyewear and causing injuries to individuals. Switching to foam-lined eyewear can greatly reduce these types of injuries because the foam provides a better seal around the eye and mitigates risk. The result? A reduction in lost time injuries and workers comp claims – a major reason why so many companies are adopting a foam-lined eyewear program.

Oil and gas, mining (above and below ground) and aggregates are among the industries who have adopted foam-lined eye protection. Employees who work outdoors in windswept conditions or dusty and dirty environments like construction are also good candidates for foam-lined eyewear, which provides an effective seal around the eye.

2. Increased Visibility

With masks being mandatory in the workplace right now in the post-pandemic world, the fogging of eye protection has become a major issue for many people. Not only is it an inconvenience to the worker, which can interfere with an employee’s job performance and quality of work; it can also hinder vision to the extent that it creates an additional hazard in the workplace, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Premium foam-lined eyewear such as Dentec Safety’s line has anti-fog coating on the lens which prevents moisture and fogging.

3. Increased Comfort

When selecting foam-lined safety glasses for your employees, make sure you choose models with features that offer a secure comfortable fit, even in hot and humid conditions. Having to constantly readjust eyewear that is slipping down from a nose or face is distracting and will lessen a worker’s ability to maintain focus on the task at hand. Features like spring-loaded temple arms and rubberized temple tips provide a secure and comfortable fit with no pressure along the temple area. Also look for:

• Low-profile, hypoallergenic, removable foam inserts that are intended to prevent foreign particles from entering the eyes and can be easily removed for cleaning. These are ideal for workers doing concrete cutting and dry wall sanding, metal and woodworking, and those in other trades, such as textile workers, cleaners and miners.
• Scratch-resistant coating
• Polycarbonate lenses that block most UVA and UVB rays
• High-impact protection
• An optional strap
• Eyewear that meets ANSI and CSA standards

4. More Affordable

Foam-lined eyewear was originally a relatively costly product but in the last ten years, thanks to improvements in technology and materials, it has come way down in price and is much more affordable. According to Dentec Safety Specialist Craig Lafferty, “Even though you are spending a little more money to upgrade your eyewear protection, your risk and injury claims can decrease dramatically when you switch to foam lined eyewear. These upgrades can result in huge cost savings. In 2021, being able to provide affordable foam lined eye protection to your entire crew is a lot more reasonable. Any organization can increase safety compliance without increasing budget.” WMHS

Claudio Dente is President of Dentec Safety Specialists, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of safety products in the North America. Experienced-based expertise and innovative design technologies are at the core of Dentec’s mission to provide the highest quality safety products and solutions that deliver enhanced value and comfort (https://dentecsafety.com/eye_protection_a.htm).