Toolbox Talk #16 · PPE

Eye & Face Protection

Selecting the right eye and face protection, ANSI Z87.1 ratings, and why 90% of eye injuries on the jobsite are preventable.

5-minute talkSign-in sheet includedEN + ES

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⚡ About 2,000 workers sustain job-related eye injuries every day in the U.S. Nearly 90% of all eye injuries could be prevented with proper eye protection (OSHA).

Why This Matters

Eye injuries on the jobsite range from irritating to permanently blinding. Flying debris, grinding sparks, chemical splash, and UV exposure from welding arcs all pose serious risks — and the majority of injured workers were either not wearing eye protection or wearing the wrong type for the hazard. Vision loss from a jobsite injury is irreversible. The two seconds it takes to put on safety glasses is always worth it.

Key Points: Read These Aloud
  1. Safety glasses must meet ANSI Z87.1+ and carry the Z87 marking. Regular prescription glasses provide NO impact protection.
  2. Match the protection to the hazard: safety glasses for impact, chemical splash goggles for liquids, face shields for grinding or large debris, welding lenses for arc flash.
  3. A face shield is a supplement, not a substitute — always wear safety glasses or goggles underneath a face shield.
  4. Inspect eyewear before each use. Scratched lenses reduce visibility and structural integrity. Replace them.
  5. Side shields matter: overhead work or grinding operations require wrap-around goggles or glasses with side shields.
  6. Contact lenses are NOT protective. In chemical environments, contacts can trap chemicals against the eye. Wear goggles over contacts if contacts are necessary.
  7. Chemical eye exposure: flush immediately within 10 seconds at an eyewash station for a minimum of 15–20 minutes. Do not rub the eye.
Discussion Questions: Ask Your Crew
Q1What eye hazards are present in your work area today, and does your current eyewear protect against all of them?
Q2Where is the nearest eyewash station from where you are right now, and do you know how to activate it?
Q3Have you ever seen someone injured because they removed their eye protection, even briefly? What happened?
Site-Specific Notes

Recommended Gear for This Talk

Hand-picked PPE and supplies that match this safety topic. Links go to Amazon search results.

Welder wearing protective eye gear while working indoors

Safety Glasses (Anti-Fog, Z87.1)

ANSI Z87.1 rated with side shields. Always worn under a face shield — not a substitute for it.

~$8–25View on Amazon
Construction workers on an urban job site in New York City

Type II Hard Hat (Vented)

Most face shields mount to the hard hat ratchet suspension. Confirm your hat has a face shield slot.

~$25–60View on Amazon
Worker operating an electric grinder with gloved hands producing sparks

Cut-Resistant Work Gloves

Eye and hand injuries frequently occur together during the same grinding or cutting task.

~$15–35View on Amazon

Greenberg Safety participates in the Amazon Associates program. If you purchase through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we would specify on a real jobsite.