Three separate incidents have recently occurred onboard UK marine aggregate dredgers where individuals undertaking routine tasks onboard received debris in their eyes.

Two of these incidents were the result of undertaking activities where the risk assessment should have flagged up the need to wear the correct eye PPE. One was grinding and the other washing down the deck. In both cases, safety glasses were being worn when more appropriately goggles should have been required.

The difference:

Safety glasses allow air in and around the eye area

Safety goggles fit tight against the face, offering protection against dust and splashes.

Face shields provide further protection and can also be worn over spectacles or goggles, and could be considered a reasonable alternative.

When to Wear Safety Goggles: You should always evaluate your workplace for potential eye hazards so you can select the appropriate safety equipment. Safety goggles should be worn when the following risks are present:

• High-velocity debris and blunt impacts
• Splashing liquids and airborne droplets
• Airborne dust particles
• Caustic vapours
• The relevant risk assessment states that goggles are required

The correct PPE provides the worker with a last line of defence after all of the other controls are in place to minimise any potential risks.

All tasks being undertaken should be risk assessed to ensure that the most appropriate eye protection is being worn, rather than the most convenient. In the two incidents where safety glasses were being worn, if goggles had been worn it is unlikely that any debris would have entered the eyes.

WE ONLY HAVE A SINGLE PAIR OF EYES – LETS KEEP THEM SAFE