Washington State is committed to upholding stringent safety regulations for construction workers, with laws like WAC 296-800-16050 in place. This legislation mandates construction companies to provide and enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), particularly emphasizing eye protection.
WAC 296-800-16050: Make sure your employees use appropriate eye and face protection
Construction companies are obligated to safeguard their workers from potential hazards that could cause eye or facial injuries. These hazards encompass various scenarios such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, caustic liquids, chemical gases, vapors, intense light sources like lasers or ultraviolet light, and objects that could puncture.
- Flying Object Hazards: Employees exposed to flying objects must wear eye protection equipped with side shields, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Prescription Lens Wearers: For those who wear prescription lenses, the eye protection must either incorporate the prescription into its design or be large enough to comfortably fit over the prescription lenses without disruption.
- Compliance Standards: The eye protection provided must meet the specifications outlined in the 1989 version, the 1998 revision, or the 2003 version of ANSI Z87.1, which is the American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.
Note: Employers can opt for other protective eye and face protection devices as long as they demonstrate their effectiveness compared to the ANSI standards.
Learn more about WAC 296-800-16050
GLP Attorneys: Advocates for Construction Worker Safety
If you find yourself injured while working on a construction project, GLP Attorneys is here to assist. We specialize in injury claims and holding accountable those companies that neglect to provide adequate PPE, including eye protection and safety glasses. Give one of our construction injury attorneys a call to discuss the facts of your case at 800-273-5005 or fill out our contact form here.