Eye protection is a critical part of workplace safety. Hazards such as flying particles, chemical splashes, and bright light are present in many environments, and even small projects outside of work can involve risks. Z87 Safety Glasses are designed to meet established standards for protective eyewear in the United States, helping both employers and individuals follow safety requirements and reduce eye injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide suitable eye and face protection in situations where hazards exist. The requirement refers to the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard, which sets out performance criteria for protective eyewear. These include impact resistance, lens clarity, coverage, and other safety factors.
When eyewear carries a Z87 marking, it indicates that the glasses meet these standards. Glasses with Z87+ markings have been tested for high impact. Using Z87 Safety Glasses is one way to comply with OSHA’s rules while also providing protection that has been tested under ANSI standards.
Different tasks create different risks, which is why eyewear is available in several forms under the same standard.
Clear-lens safety glasses are a go-to choice when visibility and protection both matter. These glasses work well in controlled lighting environments like warehouses, laboratories, and assembly areas, but their universal fit and clear-frame design also make them practical for construction sites, medical offices, woodworking, and even home projects where reliable eye protection is needed.
Workers who wear prescription eyewear often need safety glasses that fit over their existing frames. OSHA allows protective eyewear to be worn over prescription glasses if the design meets ANSI standards. Products such as the Duarte Premium Over Safety Glasses and Diamont Vented Over-Glasses are examples of safety glasses to wear over eyeglasses that meet Z87 requirements.
Certain environments require more than clear lenses. Outdoor work, construction, and welding can involve ultraviolet, infrared, or intense visible light. ANSI standards define markings that indicate the level of filtering for these hazards. Examples include the PrimeX IR3 and IR5 Safety Glasses, which are designed to reduce infrared radiation during welding and torching tasks.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that about 2,000 workers in the United States need medical treatment for eye injuries each day. Many of these injuries could be prevented with the correct use of protective eyewear.
In industrial environments, Z87+ glasses are used for protection against flying debris and other high-velocity impacts. In laboratories, sealed or vented designs reduce the chance of exposure to splashes or dust. In-home workshops, glasses with clear lens can provide protection against wood chips or sparks from metal. A typical woodworking situation illustrates this: a high-speed chip can pass through ordinary glasses, but Z87+ rated eyewear is tested to withstand this type of hazard.
The same standard applies in schools, construction sites, and personal projects. Selecting the appropriate type of Z87 glasses for each hazard is an effective way to reduce the risk of eye injury.
The process of choosing the correct eyewear involves matching the design of the glasses to the hazards present.
When hazards are present, OSHA requires protective eyewear that meets established safety standards. Z87 Safety Glasses are built to these standards, offering reliable performance in a wide range of environments. They are available in several forms, including glasses with clear lenses for general indoor use, safety glasses to wear over eyeglasses for prescription wearers, and specialized designs for outdoor or high-heat conditions.
Whether in a professional workplace or a personal setting, selecting eyewear that meets Z87 standards is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of eye injuries.