Who is responsible for ensuring workers have the appropriate eye protection?

The responsibility for ensuring that workers have the appropriate eye protection primarily lies with the employer. This is because employers are obligated under occupational safety and health regulations to provide a safe working environment, which includes assessing potential hazards and providing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize risks.

Employers are tasked with evaluating workplace conditions and identifying hazards such as flying debris, chemicals, or intense light that could cause eye injuries. Once the risks are identified, employers must ensure that suitable eye protection is available, properly maintained, and that employees are trained on when and how to use this equipment effectively.

While safety managers and project managers may play roles in promoting safety policies and overseeing compliance, it remains the employer's legal responsibility to ensure that all aspects of worker safety, including eye protection, are adequately addressed. In addition, while workers have a role in using the PPE provided, the primary obligation to supply and maintain appropriate safety equipment lies with the employer.