Top 10 Industries That Require Safety Eyewear (And What to Wear)

Every day, thousands of workers risk serious eye injuries simply by not wearing the right kind of safety eyewear. Whether you’re handling chemicals, machinery, or high-speed tools, the risk of permanent vision damage is real…and preventable.

In this guide, we break down the top 10 industries that require safety eyewear, along with what kind of protection is best suited for each.

1. Construction

• Common Hazards: Dust, flying debris, metal shards, UV exposure.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Impact-resistant construction safety glasses with wraparound designs and optional UV coating.
  
• Look for: EN 166 FT KN  certification and anti-fog coatings.

2. Cleaning & Janitorial Services

• Common Hazards: Chemical splashes, cleaning fumes, airborne particles from dusting or scrubbing.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Chemical splash-resistant glasses or goggles with anti-fog designs.
  
• Why it matters: Cleaners often work in enclosed spaces with potent substances and eye protection is essential but often overlooked.

3. Manufacturing & Industrial Work

• Common Hazards: Sparks, molten metal, airborne particles.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Industrial safety glasses with side shields and impact-rated lenses.
  
• Tip: Use tinted or polarised  lenses in areas with intense lighting or glare.
  

4. Healthcare & Emergency Services

• Common Hazards: Bodily fluids, infectious droplets, chemical disinfectants.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Splash-resistant safety glasses or goggles with clear, anti-fog lenses.
  
• Ideal for: Nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and hospital staff.
  
• Pro tip: Choose eyewear compatible with masks and face shields for full protection.

5. Welding & Metalwork

• Common Hazards: Bright arcs, sparks, infrared and UV radiation.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Welding helmets or shaded safety glasses for torch work.
  
• Shade level matters: Choose the correct lens shade based on your welding application.
  

6. Agriculture & Farming

• Common Hazards: Pesticides, dust, hay particles, debris from machinery.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Durable wraparound safety glasses with UV protection and anti-fog coating.
  
• Why it matters: Outdoor exposure increases risks from both sunlight and airborne particles.

7. Mining & Oil Extraction

• Common Hazards: Dust, flying rock, gas, chemical exposure.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: High-durability goggles or glasses with sealed frames and polarized lenses.
  
• Best features: Scratch-resistant, anti-fog, and UV-blocking coatings.
  

8. Food Processing & Pharmaceuticals

• Common Hazards: Chemical cleaning agents, sharp tools, hot liquids.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Sanitary, splash-resistant safety glasses that are easy to disinfect.
  
• Look for: Non-vented designs that still allow breathability.

9. Woodworking & Carpentry

• Common Hazards: Sawdust, splinters, tool fragments.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Wraparound safety glasses with side protection and anti-scratch coating.
  
• Upgrade tip: Choose clear lenses for indoor use, tinted for outdoor carpentry.
  

10. Automotive & Mechanical Repair

• Common Hazards: Metal shards, oil splashes, battery acid, flying debris from power tools.
  
• Recommended Eyewear: Mechanic-grade safety glasses with anti-fog lenses and side shields.
  
• Pro tip: Opt for clear lenses in low-light garages or tinted ones for outdoor repair work.

How to Choose the Right Safety Eyewear by Industry

When choosing safety eyewear, always consider:

• EN 166 FT KN or higher certifications
  
• Specific hazard types (impact, chemical, light, biological)
  
• Fit and comfort (especially for extended wear)
  
• Optional features:
  
• Anti-fog or anti-scratch coatings
  
• UV protection
  
• Prescription compatibility (coming soon)
  

Explore Our Industry-Specific Collections

• Construction Safety Glasses
  
• Lab Safety Goggles
  
• Prescription Safety Eyewear

Your Eyes Deserve Industry-Specific Protection

Every job has its hazards but every hazard has a solution. At Salus Eyewear, we provide certified, high-performance safety eyewear tailored to real-world work environments. Stay safe. Stay sharp. Stay Salus.