Prescription Safety Glasses in Auburn,What Construction Workers Need to Know

If you wear prescription glasses and work in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, or any trade environment,your regular glasses are not providing adequate eye protection. Standard optical frames are not tested or certified to resist impact, and in a workplace incident, they can shatter in ways that cause more harm than no glasses at all.

What Makes Safety Glasses "Safety" Glasses

In Australia, eye and face protectors for occupational use must comply with AS/NZS 1337. This standard covers impact resistance, lens strength, frame durability, and protection against specific hazards (dust, UV, chemical splash). A frame stamped with AS/NZS 1337 has been tested to withstand impacts that a regular optical frame will not survive.

Regular prescription frames,even expensive ones,are made to be lightweight and stylish. They are not designed for impact resistance. Under SafeWork NSW guidelines, wearing uncertified eyewear on a site where eye protection is required does not meet the employer's duty of care obligation.

Two Options for Prescription Wearers

• Prescription safety frames: Frames manufactured to AS/NZS 1337 standard, fitted with your prescription lenses. These look similar to regular glasses and are worn all day. Most practical for workers who need their prescription continuously.
• Over-spec safety glasses (OTG): Certified safety glasses worn over your regular prescription glasses. Less comfortable for extended wear, but useful when prescription safety frames are not yet available. Not acceptable on all sites.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your current glasses prescription (or we will check your prescription during the appointment), your employer's PPE requirements if known, and your health fund card if you have optical extras. Many health funds contribute toward prescription safety glasses,HICAPS is processed on the spot at our Auburn clinic.

Lens Options for Safety Frames

Safety lenses can include anti-scratch coatings (essential for site work), anti-fog coatings (important in enclosed spaces), UV400 protection (for outdoor workers), and polarised options for high-glare environments. Tinted lenses are available for outdoor use but must meet the AS/NZS 1337 standard for the relevant hazard class.