Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces for eye injuries. From flying debris during cutting and grinding to dust kicked up by earthmoving equipment, tradies face constant threats to their vision. Safe Work Australia data consistently shows that construction accounts for a disproportionate share of workplace eye injuries, yet many of these incidents are preventable with proper protection. This guide covers everything construction workers need to know about protecting their eyes on site.
Common Eye Hazards on Construction Sites
Understanding the range of hazards present on construction sites is the first step toward adequate protection:
Impact Hazards
- Grinding and cutting: High-speed sparks and metal fragments
- Drilling and hammering: Concrete chips, wood splinters, metal shavings
- Demolition: Flying debris from breaking structures
- Nail guns and staplers: Ricocheting fasteners
- Falling objects: Materials dropped from heights
Dust and Particulate Hazards
- Concrete and masonry dust: Caustic and abrasive particles
- Silica dust: From cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete
- Wood dust: From sawing and sanding operations
- Insulation fibres: Glass wool, rock wool particles
Chemical Hazards
- Cement and mortar: Highly alkaline, causes chemical burns
- Solvents and thinners: From painting and finishing work
- Adhesives and sealants: Irritant or toxic chemicals
- Pressure-treated timber: Chemical-treated wood preservatives
Environmental Hazards
- UV radiation: Extended outdoor exposure
- Glare: From reflective surfaces and bright conditions
- Wind-blown debris: Dust and particles carried by wind
Grinding, cutting, chipping, and drilling are responsible for the majority of construction eye injuries. These activities require high-impact rated safety glasses or goggles at minimum—often combined with a face shield for full protection.
Matching Protection to Tasks
Different construction tasks require different levels of eye protection:
General Site Work
For general activities like supervision, material handling, and moving around the site:
- Safety glasses with side shields, medium impact rated
- UV protection for outdoor work
- Anti-fog coating recommended
Cutting and Grinding
When using angle grinders, cut-off saws, or similar tools:
- High impact rated safety glasses or goggles (mandatory)
- Face shield recommended over glasses
- Wraparound design for peripheral protection
Welding
Welding requires specialised protection beyond standard safety glasses:
- Welding helmet or goggles with appropriate shade filter
- Clear safety glasses under welding helmet for when visor is up
- Protection for nearby workers from flash exposure
Concrete and Masonry Work
When cutting, drilling, or mixing concrete and mortar:
- Sealed goggles for dust protection
- Chemical splash protection when handling wet cement
- High impact rating when cutting or drilling
When in doubt, use more protection rather than less. Many construction activities create hazards that are difficult to predict—an unexpected spark, a ricochet, or a sudden gust of wind can turn a low-risk situation into an eye injury.
Choosing Safety Glasses for Construction
When selecting safety glasses for construction work, consider these features:
Impact Rating
Construction sites typically require at least medium impact protection under AS/NZS 1337.1. Many activities require high impact protection. Check your site's safety requirements and err on the side of higher protection.
Frame Design
Wraparound frames provide essential peripheral protection on construction sites. Flying debris often comes from the sides, not just the front. Full-coverage designs also help block dust and wind.
Lens Material
Polycarbonate lenses are the standard for construction due to their excellent impact resistance and light weight. They're also inherently UV-protective, which is important for outdoor work.
Lens Tint
Choose tints appropriate for your working conditions:
- Clear: For indoor work or overcast conditions
- Smoke/Grey: For bright outdoor conditions while maintaining colour perception
- Amber/Brown: For variable light or enhanced contrast
- Mirror coatings: For extremely bright conditions or work near reflective surfaces
Anti-Fog Coating
Essential for construction workers who move between temperature zones, wear masks, or engage in physical activity. Fogged glasses are often removed, leaving eyes unprotected—quality anti-fog coating is worth the investment.
Fitting and Wear Guidelines
Proper fit is crucial for construction safety glasses:
- Secure fit: Glasses should stay in place during movement and bending
- Close to face: Minimise gaps where debris could enter
- Compatible with other PPE: Must work with hard hats, earmuffs, and respirators
- Comfortable for long wear: Uncomfortable glasses get removed
Use a safety glasses retainer strap. This keeps glasses accessible when you need to remove them briefly and prevents them from falling when you bend over. It also ensures they're always at hand when you need them.
Site Safety Policies
Most construction sites have mandatory eye protection policies. Understanding these requirements is essential:
Mandatory Safety Glasses Zones
Many sites require safety glasses to be worn at all times in designated areas, regardless of the specific task being performed. This recognises that hazards from nearby work can affect bystanders.
Task-Specific Requirements
Site safety plans typically specify additional protection for high-risk tasks. Review the Site Safety Management Plan (SSMP) to understand requirements for specific activities.
Visitor and Contractor Requirements
Visitors and new contractors must also comply with site eye protection policies. Keep spare safety glasses available for those who arrive without appropriate eyewear.
Dealing with Dust
Dust is a persistent challenge on construction sites that requires specific strategies:
- Sealed goggles: For heavy dust environments, standard glasses may be insufficient
- Frequent cleaning: Dust on lenses reduces visibility and can scratch when wiped
- Spare pairs: Having a clean pair ready when one becomes too dirty to see through
- Dust suppression: Water spraying and other techniques reduce airborne dust
Integrating with Other PPE
Construction workers typically wear multiple forms of PPE simultaneously. Safety glasses must work with:
Hard Hats
Safety glasses temples must fit under hard hat straps without creating pressure points. Some hard hats have integrated safety glasses attachments that can be more comfortable for extended wear.
Hearing Protection
Earmuff-style hearing protectors should work with safety glasses without pushing frames against your head uncomfortably. Consider glasses with slim temples designed for use with earmuffs.
Respiratory Protection
When wearing dust masks or respirators, safety glasses often fog due to exhaled air escaping upward. Look for masks with good seal at the nose bridge, and use anti-fog glasses or goggles.
Emergency Response
Despite precautions, eye injuries occur. Know how to respond:
For Particles or Debris
- Do not rub the eye—this can cause scratching
- Allow tears to flush the particle naturally
- Use an eyewash station if available
- Seek medical attention if pain persists or vision is affected
For Chemical Splashes
- Flush immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes
- Hold eyelids open to ensure thorough flushing
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Bring the SDS for the chemical involved
Familiarise yourself with eyewash station locations on every site you work on. In an emergency, you need to reach an eyewash within seconds, not spend time searching for one.
Maintaining Construction Safety Glasses
Construction environments are harsh on safety glasses. Regular maintenance extends their life and ensures clear vision:
- Daily cleaning: Rinse and wipe lenses at break times and end of shift
- Scratch inspection: Scratched lenses reduce visibility—replace promptly
- Frame check: Bent frames don't fit properly and may not provide adequate protection
- Coating care: Protect anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings with proper cleaning methods
Conclusion
Construction work exposes your eyes to a wide range of hazards, from high-speed particles to caustic dust. Choosing the right safety glasses—and wearing them consistently—is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision throughout your working life. Match your protection to your specific tasks, maintain your eyewear properly, and never compromise on eye safety, even for "quick" jobs. Your sight is worth far more than the few seconds saved by working unprotected.
For more information about safety standards, see our guide on Understanding AS/NZS 1337.1 Standards.