In recent years, faceshield use has increased as employers recognize the versatility and high level of protection they provide. Faceshields protect an individual’s full face from hazards against which eyewear or goggles alone are insufficient. In environments where severe exposure to falling or flying objects, impact, chemical splash and airborne debris is likely, faceshield coverage is not only required, it is also invaluable. Without proper protection in these environments, workers risk serious injury to the face and eyes, which can result in permanent damage and even blindness. Furthermore, if an employee suffers an injury on the job, employers risk significant costs — medical and legal fees, regulatory fines, workers’ compensation increases, lost production, employee re-training or replacement, etc.
To reduce the risk of injuries in high-hazard environments, the ANSI Z87.1 standard calls for eye and face protection to be worn when machines or operations present potential eye or face injury from physical, chemical or radiation agents. A hazard assessment, conducted by the safety manager, is necessary to identify potential eye and face hazards and to specify the need for faceshield use. A wide variety of industries benefit from the use of faceshields, ranging from construction and manufacturing to petrochemical, pharmaceutical, laboratory and forestry.