Don’t turn a blind eye to safety

National Eye Health Week (September 23-29) serves as a timely reminder of just how important it is to protect our vision, but maintaining robust eye safety measures is essential all year round.

On hazardous construction sites, vision is one of the most critical senses, and the one people fear losing the most. Ensuring that workers have the right eye protection not only safeguards their wellbeing, but also helps prevent accidents that can cause project delays or worse.

Don't lose sight of the risks

As the UK construction industry rebounds from recent economic challenges and looks to a promising future, there's increased pressure on professionals to deliver projects quickly.  It’s important to keep on top of site safety, especially when you are rushing to get things done quickly. It's crucial to consider whether the workforce's eye health is keeping pace with the industry’s growth.

A lapse in eye safety could have devastating consequences. Whether it’s an injury caused by poor-quality eyewear or simply the failure to wear any at all, compromised vision can directly impact a worker’s ability to perform their job safely and efficiently.

Despite these risks, many workers aren’t fully adopting eye safety practices. According to a study by Slater and Gordon, 40% of construction workers have reported feeling unsafe on-site at some point. Another survey by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare reveals that almost 25% of tradespeople have experienced accidents at work, and over a quarter do not use protective eyewear consistently. It’s clear that while the risks are well-known, there’s a gap between awareness and action. 

Eye safety is non-negotiable

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries, where safety protocols must constantly evolve to address diverse and ever-present hazards. Protective gear has expanded far beyond the basics, and safety glasses or goggles are indispensable in modern PPE, offering critical protection against the likes of airborne debris, dust and splinters. 

It’s concerning, yet unsurprising that one in three people knows someone who has suffered an eye injury at work. For workers in construction, the stakes are even higher, as poor vision can impede their ability to perform essential tasks and recognise potential dangers to themselves and others near them.

Employers' role in promoting on-site measures

Employers play a crucial role in promoting eye safety and should therefore take proactive steps to prioritise eye health in their teams. This doesn’t just mean providing the necessary equipment but also fostering a culture of safety. Employers should encourage regular eye tests, promote wellbeing best practices and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

While the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plays an essential role in regulating and inspecting workplace safety, recent studies have highlighted a worrying 32% decline in surprise inspections in the construction sector over the past decade. While these inspections are vital for maintaining high safety standards, they cannot replace the day-to-day responsibility of employers to enforce stringent safety measures. 

Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring a safe workplace falls on employers. They must enforce strict safety protocols and supply adequate PPE, including protective eyewear, tailored to the job's demands. High-quality safety glasses with features like anti-fog ventilation, scratch resistance, and side shields can prevent accidents and maintain clear vision in challenging environments.

Seeing clearly with prescription safety glasses

Eye safety is not just about preventing injuries, it’s also about maintaining clear vision to avoid mishaps in the first place. The Specsavers survey found that nearly half of all tradespeople require some form of prescription lenses, yet a staggering 60% rely solely on their regular prescription glasses, which offer no protection against occupational hazards. On top of that, 20% of workers were unaware of the availability of prescription safety glasses, which combine safety with vision correction.

These specialised glasses come with features like scratch-resistant lenses, UV protection, and robust frames designed to withstand the rigours of a construction site. The misconception that workers must choose between safety and vision correction is dangerous and inexcusable. Modern safety eyewear allows workers to have the best of both worlds - seeing clearly while staying protected on-site. 

Creating a productive but safe environment

As National Eye Health Week highlights the importance of eye health and tests, it serves as a crucial reminder for the construction and maintenance industry to proactively take decisive action. By equipping workers with the right protective eyewear and enforcing comprehensive safety protocols, employers can help ensure that construction sites are both productive and safe. Through ongoing education, training and assessments, companies can instil best practices that foster a culture of safety, resulting in a more aware and cautious workforce. 

Let’s not forget the most important tool to get any job done - the eye. Focusing on eye health will not only protect workers but also strengthen the industry, supporting overall growth in the wake of challenging times. 

Dona Mclafferty is corporate account manager for safety eyewear at Specsavers. For more information, visit Specsavers Corporate Safety Eyewear.