For construction and rooftop workers, safety eyewear is a must––especially during busy summer days.
Photo by NAVFAC, via Flickr with Creative Commons License

We outlined heat-smart safety tips in a recent blog, and now, we’re tackling another precaution that’s equally as important––particularly during the summer months: eye protection. The eyes of construction and rooftop workers are especially vulnerable due to both the materials needed on the job and the frequently harsh weather conditions roofing and construction professionals are exposed to daily.

Occupational Health and Safety magazine recently published an in-depth article offering tips on how to best protect eyes during the busy summer months. A few highlights from the piece:

Wear Safety Glasses

OH&S reminds readers that “a leading cause of eye injuries in construction is contact with foreign bodies,” and emphasizes the importance of wearing safety eyewear that meets industrial-level standards. Article author Phil Johnson also details the ways in which wind and other elements can complicate job sites and increase the risk of injury.

Beware that Summer Sun

The OH&S article also takes pains to outline the myriad ways direct light and reflections can wreck havoc on eyes. Making sure your eyewear features UV protection is a must. “Overexposure to direct and reflected light leads to headaches as well as eye fatigue, redness, dryness, and irritation,” Johnson writes. He also points out the specific needs of professionals who have to frequently move between indoors and outdoors, and recommends they utilize “variable lenses,” which automatically transition, depending upon the environment detected.

Lens Fog: A Real Problem

While glasses that fog up in humid summer heat annoy folks getting in and out of cars, OH&S points out the real dangers fogging lenses create for workers. From increased risks of falls to the inability to correctly use tools, cloudy lenses pose serious threats and slow down efficiency. OH&S recommends “high-performance anti-fog” lenses––a smart investment.

Taking the necessary steps to protect your eyes––and those of your staff––can increase productivity in addition to helping ensure safety. Visit https://ohsonline.com for more invaluable tips on workforce safety.