The 10 Best Safety Glasses for Construction

07.01.2021
The 10 Best Safety Glasses for Construction Header

Construction workers need the best construction safety glasses to protect their eyes from impact and other on-site hazards. Safety glasses frames and lenses withstand impact without fracturing. Here are 10 leading styles from trusted brands such as 3M, ArmourX, Global Vision and Titmus. The safety glasses on this list meet requirements for the Z87.1 eye safety standard maintained by the American National Standards Institute.

Contruction Workers Wearing Best Safety Glasses

TITMUS SW06E Safety Glasses W/ Side Shield ANSI Z87

TITMUS SW06E Safety Glasses W/ Side Shield ANSI Z87

Titmus safety glasses made by UVEX by Honeywell are a best-selling style. These rectangular wraparound frames feature foam cushioning inside the top of the frame front. Full-rim frames can accommodate most prescriptions, including progressive lenses. The SW06E safety glasses with side shields meet ANSI Z87.1-2015 requirements for impact protection.

Financial ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses

Financial ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses

The ANSI Z87.1-rated version of the Financial frames from Global Vision is a cost-effective and protective pair of safety glasses. The patterned black and gray upper frame and temples of the Financial style add a stylish touch to these wraparound rectangular glasses with integrated side shields. Many construction workers appreciate the quality and affordability of these safety glasses.

3M ZT200 Safety Glasses

3M ZT200 Safety Glasses

One of the most respected equipment brands licenses high-quality safety glasses. The ZT200 style from 3M is ANSI Z87.1-2010 certified. Rectangular lenses and integrated side shields protect wearers’ eyes on construction sites and in other hazardous environments. The 3M ZT200 frames accommodate a wide range of prescriptions, which is a determining factor for the best safety glasses.

Ridge CF SM Safety Glasses

Ridge CF SM Safety Glasses

Another value-oriented style from Global Vision is the wraparound rectangular Ridge CF SM frames. This eyewear has shatterproof smoke-colored polycarbonate lenses with a UV400 filter. Rubber nose pads and tips allow for comfortable wear with helmets and other personal protective equipment. Ridge CF SM frames only accommodate a limited range of prescription lens strengths.

Officer Safety Glasses

Officer Safety Glasses

The affordable Officer safety glasses by Global Vision are versatile full-rim safety glasses perfect for construction and other industrial applications. Rectangular black nylon frames with an ANSI Z87.1 rating are paired with shatterproof polycarbonate prescription or non-prescription lenses. The gray temples of this style are stylish and provide grip to keep eyewear in place.

RX-Z CL Safety Glasses

RX-Z CL Safety Glasses

RX-Z safety glasses by Global Vision are clear rectangular frames with integrated side shields. This popular style is also available in gray and black. A six base curve frame made of crystal clear Xylex is compatible with most prescriptions.

Biloxi Safety Glasses

Biloxi Safety Glasses

Another stylish unisex style from Global Vision is the blue and crystal-colored Biloxi safety glasses. These large rectangular plastic frames are slightly upswept at the temples and are compatible with most prescription lenses.

RX-Z Gray CL Safety Glasses

RX-Z Gray CL Safety Glasses

The Global Vision RX-Z safety glasses are also available in translucent gray. Like the RX-Z CL, these Xylex frames are shiny and translucent. The six base curve can accommodate most prescription lenses. RX-Z Gray CL safety glasses have shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with a scratch-resistant coating and UV400 filter.

Timpas Safety Glasses

Timpas Safety Glasses

If you prefer wide frames with rounded rims, check out the Timpas safety glasses by Global Vision. This black and crystal plastic style meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for construction and industrial applications. Like the other Global Vision frames on this list, this budget-friendly style also features shatterproof polycarbonate lenses.

ArmourX 5005 Eyeglasses 

ArmourX 5005 Eyeglasses

The 5005 frames are a best selling style in the ArmourX Basic Collection. These safety frames have thick black rectangular rims with clear side shields. Customize ArmourX 5005 safety glasses with clear or tinted prescription lenses. This eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1 and the Canadian Standards Association Z94.3 eye safety standard.

All of the eyewear on this list meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard. Make sure any frame style you are considering wearing on a construction site satisfies any relevant requirements for basic or high-impact protection and select prescription or plano lenses with the same rating. Workers who need protection from other construction site hazards such as dust or optical radiation should look for the best safety glasses for construction workers designed to provide these types of protection.

Construction Safety Program

FAQs

How do I get the best construction safety glasses?

Browse a large selection of safety glasses, including eyewear with ANSI Z87.1 ratings and prescription-ready eye protection. Make sure that the frames you choose provide the level of protection you need on the job. Safety standards regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Agency apply to many construction sites.

What is the ANSI Z87.1 standard?

The Z87.1 eye protection standard maintained by ANSI indicates that glasses or goggles are designed to protect wearers’ eyes. In addition to impact, eyewear that meets this standard may also protect against chemical splashes, dust and optical radiation. Make sure eyewear for construction provides a sufficient level of protection.

How can I tell if eyewear is safety rated?

Glasses and goggles that have an ANSI Z87.1 safety rating indicate this specification in the product description. Frames and goggles are marked with letters and symbols to indicate types of protection. A plus sign indicates impact protection, while letters and numbers are used to identify other forms of protection.

Do I need high-impact and velocity eye protection?

Workers in environments with high-mass or high-velocity eye safety hazards should wear eyewear that has a sufficient rating. Eyewear rated for high impact retains lenses when a 1.1-pound pointed projectile is dropped on a headform. A quarter-inch steel ball strikes 20 impact points at 150 feet-per-second in high-velocity testing.

Can I order prescription construction safety glasses?

It is possible to get ANSI Z87.1-rated prescription safety glasses suitable to wear while working in construction. This eyewear may provide basic or high-mass and high-velocity impact protection or other types of protection. An alternative approach to vision correction involves layering protective glasses or goggles over everyday prescription eyewear. These are some of the best construction safety glasses currently available for sale. Always check the safety certifications of any eyewear you intend to wear on a construction site. It may be necessary to meet OSHA specifications or comply with other relevant safety regulations when selecting protective eyewear for construction.

Construction Worker Holding Best Safety Glasses