Answer: The short answer is no. Safety regulations require employers to provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees. However, this typically refers to standard safety gear such as safety goggles that fit over prescription eyeglasses, not custom prescription safety eyewear. Providing safety goggles generally complies with regulatory standards and protects employee vision.
Regulatory authority: Federal OSHA’s regulation on PPE at 29 CFR 1910.132(h)(2) says, “The employer is not required to pay for … non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.” California, Oregon, and Washington state safety and health agencies essentially take the same approach. Cal/OSHA’s specific regulation on eye and face protection at 8 CCR 3382 says that if a worker needs eye protection on the job and requires vision correction, the employer must provide one of the following: (1) Prescription safety eyeglasses; (2) Safety goggles designed to fit over eyeglasses; or (3) “Protective goggles with corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.” Meanwhile, Oregon OSHA (at OAR 437-002-0134(4)(b)) and Washington DOSH (at WAC 296-800-16020) take the same approach as federal OSHA.
Financial assistance: While not mandated, many companies choose to support employees by offering stipends for prescription safety glasses, similar to what they do for safety boots. A reasonable stipend can help workers offset the cost while promoting safety and comfort. Some employers also sponsor vision insurance programs or partner with eyeglass vendors to secure discounted rates for their workforce.
Managing new hire concerns: A common concern is the risk of purchasing prescription safety glasses for a new employee who may leave shortly after being hired. We suggest implementing a waiting period, such as 6 to 12 months of employment, before a new hire is eligible for a stipend or reimbursement.
Comfort and compliance: Wearing safety goggles on top of regular prescription eyeglasses is uncomfortable, distracting, and cumbersome, especially for employees who need to wear them all day. It’s not just about safety; it’s also about comfort and appearance. From a compliance standpoint, employees who need eyeglasses are more likely to consistently wear safety glasses if they are prescription and comfortable. That means better adherence to safety policies and fewer risks on the job.
Final thoughts: While not a legal requirement, supporting employees with prescription safety glasses, whether through a stipend or insurance, can improve safety, morale, and compliance. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in how employees feel and perform on the job.
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