Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) alone should not be relied on to protect against hazards. Use PPE in conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound work practices.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers when engineering the administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.

The following references aid in recognizing and evaluating eye and face hazards and provide possible solutions for these hazards.

• Ten Ways to Prevent Eye Injuries at Work (National Council to Prevent Blindness)
• First Aid for Eye Emergencies (National Council to Prevent Blindness)
• Eye Safety Program Resources (NIOSH)
• Eye and Face Protection Program (OSHA)