Sadly, a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey showed that nearly 3 out of 5 workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. A 2009 survey in the workplace asked the reasons for not wearing protective eyewear. All groups surveyed reported that comfort/fit or fogging, almost 9 of 10 reported accessibility or scratching, almost 6 of 10 cited style. This same survey revealed that 55% of respondents suggested anti-fog lenses to increase usage, more so than any other method, such as– incentives, warning signs, eyewear cleaning station and condition of employment. To workers credit, it shows proper work conditions do matter.
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Fogging and scratching are real problems for clear vision, especially when safety is at risk; comfort and style are personal preference but often affect whether people wear their safe eyewear, whereas, accessibility and style are controlled by the company or by the individual when protective eyewear is chosen for a home project.
THE PROBLEM IS ALWAYS THE OPPORTUNITY
Comfort/Fit – Now here’s an opportunity for every office. Ensuring that your patient’s safety frame fits and is well adjusted is all the ammunition you need for an email or mailer to every patient. Include a coupon that says, “For a free safety eyewear adjustment and tune up, just visit our office.” Then go on to say, “If you don’t have a pair of safety eyewear for work or play, let us show you what’s possible. Did you know that you could purchase the newest in trendy wrap sunglasses, even in prescription? It also meets all the industrial safety standards.”
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Fogging – Safety directors agree, workers have a fogging problem, but finding an effective anti-fogging solution has been the issue. Numerous anti-fogging solutions are out there, but the majority doesn’t work. Be wary of those that claim to clean, provide anti-fog and anti-static. It’s very difficult technically to design a solution that can remove dirt and leave a layer of anti-fog protection behind. Nanofilm company has developed anti-fog coatings for optical lenses with a thorough understanding of lens materials, surface qualities and other coatings.
Accessibility/ Availability – Many labs and suppliers have turnkey safety eyewear programs. Click here for information about the Wiley X, Z87 sunglass program called Building a Bullet Proof Profit Center.
Scratching – Avoid cheap safety glasses. Of course, all the polycarbonate and Trivex prescription lenses used will typically have proven scratch resistance. Consider the most scratch resistant coatings as part of your program.
Style/Choice – Safety is a good business segment for almost any practice. Consider the offerings of companies like Hilco for their On Guard products, Oakley, AO Safety, and others.
