health and safety at work

[curryman]

Does anyone know the rules on wearing safety glasses at work,we were recently asked to wear them at all times during working hours.The problem i have is i dont wear glasses normally and have found that my eyes are getting strained , when not wearing them things are starting to become blurred.Is it law or is it just recommended by the health and safety exec. and can i opt out of wearing them.

[Buenchico]

If your company have issued a safety directive, based upon a risk assessment for the type of work that you do, then you will be breaking the law if you do not comply with the directive. This is because it's illegal to endanger anyone's safety, including your own. Also, your company will be breaking the law if they fail to ensure that you comply with the directive.

There are different types of safety glasses. Speak to whoever's responsible for safety matters at your place of work. Explain the problems that you're having and request that they examine the possibilty of providing you with an alternative form of eye protection.

Also, any good optician should be able to help you. While this will involve you spending some money (unless you can persuade your employer to pay for the referral), it might still be worth your while to consult an optician (or, in the first instance, your GP) as blurred vision is not normally a problem after removing safety glasses. There might be other problems with your eyes which you've previously been unaware of.

Chris

[curryman]

good point, they have issued us with the cheapest type available, i will certainly request that they provide better quality glasses, thanks.

[londontown]

Shop around for the glasses but take into account the environment to which you are working in. If you have any doubts contact your local health and safety executive office.

[edwardrandall]

Yes, there are rules which you have to follow for your helth and safety, do you know about the sssts and smsts course. There are lots of organizations which offer this services in London.