Most eye injuries in industry are not caused by sharp or heavy objects, but by specks of flying metal smaller than a pinhead that can bypass safety glasses, particularly if glasses are loose or unsuitable for the job. A common error is using safety glasses when goggles or a face shield are needed.
Most safety glasses protect against particles coming from in front of the face.
Workers often receive eye injuries from the side or rear when particles are discharged from nearby work. Particles enter their safety glasses through air vents or gaps at the side or rear. Because of differing head sizes and shapes, eye protection rarely fits perfectly. Occupational eye injuries are most likely in work generating flying particles, fragments, sparks, dust, hazardous substances or radiation, such as grinding, brazing, welding and hammering. Other high-risk activities include cutting, drilling, spraying, smelting, sanding, chipping or chiselling.