Are Prescription Glasses Classified as Workplace Safety Equipment

In industrial environments, eye protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. Yet many workers and managers remain uncertain whether standard prescription glasses meet the safety requirements set for hazardous work environments. This article addresses that confusion and outlines key considerations for those involved in safety planning or industrial supply purchasing.

Vision Correction vs. Eye Protection: Know the Difference

Prescription glasses are designed for vision correction—not impact protection. While they help workers see clearly, they are not built to withstand the physical hazards present in many industrial settings.

According to the State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF) and ANSI Z87.1 standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), regular prescription eyeglasses do not meet the safety criteria required for protective eyewear. They lack the high-impact resistance, side shielding, and durability needed to guard against flying debris, chemical splashes, or other common workplace hazards.

What Counts as PPE for Eye Protection?

To qualify as personal protective equipment, eyewear must meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard. This certification ensures that glasses or goggles provide sufficient impact resistance and coverage in hazardous environments. Employers generally have two options for workers who need vision correction:

1. Over-the-Glass (OTG) Safety Glasses

These are worn over regular prescription glasses. OTG glasses provide ANSI-rated protection and are a practical short-term solution. However, they can be bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to fogging—factors that may reduce compliance over time.

2. Prescription Safety Glasses

These glasses combine vision correction and ANSI Z87.1-certified impact protection in a single pair. They are custom-made for the wearer and offer a more comfortable and efficient solution for daily use in industrial settings.

It’s important to emphasize that adding side shields to standard prescription glasses does not upgrade them to meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements. Only eyewear specifically manufactured and tested to meet ANSI standards qualifies as legitimate PPE.

Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers provide appropriate eye protection to employees who may be exposed to potential eye hazards. This protection must either fit comfortably over prescription lenses or be prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI standards.

However, OSHA does not require employers to cover the cost of non-specialty prescription safety eyewear—as long as alternative, compliant protection (like OTG safety glasses) is available at no cost to employees.

Building an Effective Eye Protection Program

For safety managers, procurement officers, and others responsible for selecting protective gear, developing a robust eye protection strategy is key. Consider these best practices:

• Conduct a Hazard Assessment: Identify job tasks and environments where workers face eye injury risks.
• Choose the Right Protection: Ensure selected eyewear complies with ANSI Z87.1 and matches the specific hazards (e.g., impact, splash, dust).
• Accommodate Vision Correction Needs: Provide OTG or prescription safety glasses based on employee requirements and job roles.
• Prioritize Fit and Comfort: Offer different frame sizes and styles to promote proper use and long-term wearability.
• Train and Educate: Regularly educate employees about eye hazards, the importance of protective eyewear, and how to care for and maintain their equipment.

Protecting Vision Means Going Beyond Basic Glasses

Standard prescription glasses may improve vision, but they fall short when it comes to safety. In environments where flying particles, sparks, or chemical splashes are a risk, only ANSI-certified protective eyewear counts as PPE.

Employers and safety professionals must make informed, compliant decisions to ensure every worker—including those with vision correction needs—is fully protected. When comfort, compliance, and safety standards align, the result is a safer, more productive workplace where preventable injuries are kept to a minimum.