4 Apr 2018
Important new research from Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare reveals that over half (54%) of employers still provide
safety over-goggles to those who wear everyday glasses.
Important new research from Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare reveals that over half (54%) of employers still provide
safety over-goggles to those who wear everyday glasses.
The
wearing of goggles on top of glasses can cause an increase in light reflection
between the two sets of lenses, which can impact the quality of vision. There
is also an issue of physically wearing two sets of appliances, which can feel awkward and uncomfortable.
The solution to this issue is to provide
prescription safety eyewear but the research shows that 29% of employers offer
non-prescription safety eyewear only. Jim Lythgow, director of strategic
alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, said: ‘For many years, Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare’s research has shown that discomfort results in employees
being more likely to remove safety eyewear when it is not safe to do so. Over-goggles
may be considered appropriate for short and occasional visits to areas where
PPE is required. However, any employee who needs to wear their everyday glasses
to comfortably carry out their working role and who requires safety eyewear on
a regular basis, would benefit hugely from the provision of prescription safety
eyewear.’
Safety
by design
Although the main feature of any safety
eyewear is of course the protection it provides, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
has again proved that the appearance of safety eyewear is also significant.
Over two-thirds (67%) of employers felt that the design of safety eyewear was
important in that a more modern and appealing design would make employees more
likely to wear it. Nearly a third (35%) said attractive design would mean
employees would be much more likely
to actually wear it.
Extensive
reach
The research went on to ask employers about their provision
of eye care for those who require protective eyewear. Less than half (47%) of
respondents whose employees require safety eyewear also offer eye examinations.
‘While there is no obligation under the health and safety regulations for
employers to provide an eye test linked to the provision of safety eyewear, this
may be a little short-sighted, if you’ll forgive the pun,’ said Jim Lythgow. ‘A
full eye examination can help with the detection and monitoring of many serious
wider health conditions, like diabetes, risk of stroke, heart conditions, some
cancers and thyroid problems, to name just a few. In addition to helping to
ensure employees have the most accurate vision in the workplace, an eye test
could also help with ailments like headaches and eyestrain which, although more
minor, can affect the productivity and performance of an employee.’
Providing employees with prescription
safety glasses, and an accompanying eye examination, could, therefore, provide
positive benefits for the employee and employer alike.
Visit
www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
Website
T: 0115 933 0800
Cirrus House
10 Experian Way
NG2 1EP
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
Employers have
responsibilities to employees regarding all ‘at work’ activities. With the
summer finally seeming to have started in earnest, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
is encouraging employers to consider eye care as part of their sun protection
policy.
89%
of employees value eye care, but employers spend less time communicating it
than other benefits
New
research from Specsavers Corporate Eyecare shows how employers and employees value
eye care as an employee benefit.
Specsavers Corporate
Eyecare has held two health and wellbeing fairs for one of its customers,
Registers of Scotland.
Registers of
Scotland is the non-ministerial government department responsible for compiling
and maintaining 18 public registers. These relate to land, property, and other
legal documents. Specsavers provides enhanced eyecare for the public-sector
organisation’s screen users and works with the organisation to promote the
wider benefits of eyecare to employees.