New analysis by Specsavers has revealed an estimated 830,000 employees in the manufacturing sector may not have received an eye test in the past two years, putting their eye safety at risk.
Specsavers is warning that many manufacturing and trades employees are carrying out safety-critical tasks without regular eye health monitoring, increasing the risk of preventable accidents and injuries. Workers who rely on machinery, tools and precision equipment may be unknowingly doing so with suboptimal vision.
For manufacturers, the data underscores the importance of understanding employees’ eye health and mitigating its impact on work and wellbeing by providing effective prescription PPE.
Last year, it was reported that one in eight industrial workers experienced frequent eye injuries or eye strain, while the NHS recorded more than 57,000 emergency hospital visits due to workplace related eye injuries. These incidents place significant strain on individuals, employers and the wider health system.
A call for best practice in workplace eye health
Specsavers is encouraging employers to adopt annual eye examinations as standard best practice for workers in manufacturing and trade roles, mirroring the proactive approach already taken in other parts of the workforce.
Employees who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) already benefit from employer-funded eye tests. Specsavers believes workers in high risk, manual- and machinery-based roles would similarly benefit from regular eye health checks to ensure they can see clearly and work safely.
Regular eye tests can help identify changes in vision early, reduce the risk of avoidable accidents, and support workers to continue performing their roles safely and confidently.
Prescription safety eyewear
Many manufacturing and trades employees still rely on non-prescription safety eyewear, which can significantly compromise their ability to carry out precision tasks. In some cases, workers resort to unsafe improvisations, such as wearing their own prescription glasses underneath or over standard safety frames.
This can lead to discomfort, reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents. Ensuring workers have access to properly fitted prescription safety eyewear, supported by regular eye tests, is a simple but effective step employers can take to improve safety and compliance on site.
Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers, commented:
“We hope these figures act as a wake-up call to those who neglect getting their eyes tested.
“Our eyes are one of our most valuable assets, particularly for those working in environments where clear vision is essential to safety.
“An annual eye test, combined with access to prescription safety eyewear, can make a real difference to workers in manufacturing and trades.
“Too many people are still coping with the awkward balancing act, wearing their prescription glasses underneath standard safety eyewear just to see properly. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous and lead to preventable eye injuries.
“By prioritising eye health as part of a wider safety culture, employers can help protect their workforce, reduce accidents and support productivity. Above all, it’s about putting employee wellbeing first.”
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