Sunglasses have long set a standard in fashion, contributing to the appeal of countless movie icons. From the aviator glasses made famous by Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,” to the bold, gold-rimmed style worn by Elvis, the right pair of shades can add instant swagger to anyone’s look. The importance of style shouldn’t be overlooked in the workplace, either. In fact, style can drive safety eyewear compliance: when workers feel good about how they look in safety glasses, they are more likely to put their eyewear on – and keep it on.
Dark brown, gray or mirrored lenses may be the preferred street fashion, but such tints are not always a safe choice at work. Many lens tints perform specific roles in protecting the eyes from industrial hazards. Hues such as orange, cobalt and scarlet serve a role in blocking targeted spectrums of light and enhancing a worker’s visual acuity. Likewise, what may be an ideal tint for one application may be hazardous when used in another.