Hi,

As part of our risk assessment we have mandatory safety eyewear requirement in our working areas. We have had a large number of minor eye injuries in the past, prior to my starting. Since mandating the wearing of eyewear we have had a reduction in eye related injuries and reduced visits to the local eye unit, which makes me and them happier!

However we have one employee who seems unable/unwilling to wear safey eyewear when in workshop areas due to a undiagnosed skin complaint around the eye area which he believes is aggravated on any contact with the frames, bridge etc. He wears a visor when welding or grinding, but at all other times does not wear 'specs', he does not (and I can undertstand it, as it would be overkill) want to wear a visor all of the time, when walking around.

Has anyone had a similar experience or can offer a possible solution. 

So far we have tried a couple of different frame styles and manufacturers, I have also had some input from our occupational health advisor (not helped), provided barrier creams, and suggested they speak to their GP and seek a Dermatological referral, if nothing more than to help reduce their daily skin irritation when it flares up.

Has anyone had a similar experience or can offer a possible solution. 

Thanks

If you have a madatory eye wear on site then he MUST wear the visor at all time if he cannot wear the eye protection given. Therwise others may not wear the eye protection when walking around also as no different to him. As statem perious he needs dematloigist to helo him 

If your risk assessment show that eye protection is needed in an area there can be no exceptions for religion, health or any other reason (turban wearing Sikh's withstanding). If your employee cannot/will not wear specs/goggles then they must wear the face shield at all times. I am willing to bet that if you put this to them they will be much more willing to have the skin looked at.

Case in point, would you allow an employee to not wear safety shoes because their feet were sore? No! you would seek more suitable footwear, and failing that, following a doctor's report you would have to consider whether that employee should be moved to other duties/areas if possible and if not.....

sorry should have read the question...unless he has a formally diagnosed condition then he needs to comply...the condition is very rare...

I think the answer is with him not being diagnosed. He needs to get a diagnosis then you can do something about it. Otherwise your just XXXXXXX in the wind.