Safety Accessories: 7 Products You Didn't Know You Needed

Many people can come up with all kinds of excuses to not wear proper safety gear. While discomfort, as some might use, is not something that most safety accessories can address, many other problems can be solved with the right tool. Consider the following safety eyewear accessories and related products and the benefits they provide.

7 Safety Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Cases & Pouches: Cases & Pouches help keep eyewear safe and secure when not being worn. Many even double as a lens cleaning cloth. Some cases, such as the Wiley-X TS-235 Hard Case, provide additional room for the storing of extra lenses and other needed items. When eyewear stays scratch-free and in good working condition, it is much more likely to be worn. Also, having all your eyewear gear close at hand makes wearing the appropriate gear much more likely. Some cases even include a belt loop for additional convenience.
Eyewear Dispensers: About 90% of eye injuries could be prevented by wearing proper safety eyewear. Not exactly an accessory (but close enough), an eyewear dispenser makes eyewear accessible which makes wearing it much more likely. Having a usable (and at least partially filled) dispenser in convenient locations at home and in the workplace makes it an essential accessory.

Lens Cleaning/Defogging Products: A clean lens is a safe lens, so keeping lenses clear of smudges and fog by using products such as Super Strength Anti-Fog Spray can make sure lenses provide the best vision possible. NOTE: When applying such treatment, it is important to follow the instructions and be sure to use a soft, cottony (or microsuede) cloth made for eyewear. While microfiber pouches make great dry cleaning cloths, they do a poor job of soaking up any liquid cleaners or treatments. Never use tissues, napkins or paper towels, as they are too abrasive.
Neck Cords: While sometimes making a fashion statement, the more practical purpose of neck cords is to help protect and conveniently store your eyewear. When eyewear is within reach, it’s more likely to be worn. Additionally, cords offer convenience when glasses must be taken on and off frequently.
Sideshields: Safety shields come in a variety of styles from temporary ones that protect from light particles and droplets (but are not rated for impact protection) to those that auto-adjust for fit, provide impact protection and UV protection. Adding side shields to prescription safety eyewear can significantly increase eye protection in a simple, efficient and cost-effective way.

LED Lights: LED lights that fasten onto safety eyewear can free up your hands, not only allowing you to work more efficiently, but also enabling you to do it more safely. LED safety lights come in a variety of options, allowing them to fit virtually every type of eyewear. Some even fasten to safety helmet or hard hats.
Emergency Eyewash: A significant cause of permanent eye damage comes from harmful chemicals splashing into the eyes, both at home and in the workplace. Having an emergency eyewash station can save valuable time, especially when you consider that eyes stand a much greater chance of recovery from chemical splash when flushed immediately after exposure.

The first line of eye safety is to consistently wear safety eyewear. Adding some of the above accessories can go a long way toward increasing the effectiveness of that safety eyewear.