Tradies are being reminded not to substitute sunglasses for safety glasses.
The warning comes after new data from Specsavers found that despite 68 per cent of tradies witnessing an eye injury or eye safety hazard and 42 per cent having suffered an eye injury, three in five tradies still wear sunglasses in place of safety glasses, placing their eyes and vision at risk.
Local Mill Park Specsavers Optometrist Jian Guo urged tradespeople to prioritise their vision, stating that many long term or irreversible damages could be prevented, if the correct safety equipment was worn.
“We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight,” she said.
“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries. Safety glasses on the worksite are fit-for-purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes, significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.”
Adding further reason for concern, at least one in five tradies will opt for sunglasses when performing three of the riskiest tasks for dust and splinters entering the eye. Such tasks include drilling (42 per cent), sawing (35 per cent), and jackhammering (23 per cent).
While Ms Guo acknowledged the importance of UV safety, she noted that sunglasses did not meet minimum workplace safety requirements.
“While we encourage wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outside, they are not a substitute,” she said.
“Safety glasses adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring durability, comfort, and clear visibility, making them effective and reliable for various industrial tasks, unlike sunnies.
“As Optometrists, we are urging all tradies to take eye protection seriously by wearing specially designed safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and dust. Even small particles entering the eye can lead to infection.
“This simple preventative measure can save you from experiencing vision loss from injury or subsequent infection.
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure, and getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come.”
