This YouTube video (creator: Anthony LaFazia; uploaded July 2, 2025) explains employer responsibilities under OSHA to provide appropriate eye and face protection, criteria for selecting PPE (hazard protection, fit/comfort, vision/mobility, durability/cleanability, compatibility with other PPE), common types of protective eyewear (safety glasses, goggles, welding shields, face shields) and recommends conducting a workplace hazard assessment to match protection to specific hazards.
Questions this video answers
Anthony LaFazia
July 2, 2025
Chapters
OSHA requires employers to ensure that employees have appropriate eye and face protection if they are exposed to eye and face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid, chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material or potentially harmful light radiation. When selecting the most suitable eye and face protection for employees, employers should take into consideration the following Ability to protect against specific workplace hazards Fits properly and is reasonably comfortable to wear Provides unrestricted vision and movement Is durable and cleanable Allows unrestricted functioning of any other required ppe. The eye and face protection selected for employees use must clearly identify the manufacturer. Some of the most common types of eye and face protection include the safety glasses. These protective eyeglasses have safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and impact resistant lenses. Side shields are available on some models. Goggles these are tight fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets and the facial area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust and splashes. Some goggles will fit over corrective lenses. Welding shields protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light. They also protect both the eyes and face from flying sparks. Metal spatter and slag chips produced during welding, brazing, soldering and cutting operations. Face Shields Transparent sheets of ANSI approved plastic extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across the width of the head. These may be polarized for glare protection. They're meant to protect against dust, splashes and sprays of hazardous liquids but do not protect against impact hazards. They must be used in conjunction with goggles or safety glasses for additional protection. Each type of protective eyewear is designed to protect against specific hazards. Employers can identify the specific workplace hazards that threaten employees eyes and faces by completing a hazard assessment.
