As an employer, do I have to reimburse safety glasses?

If workers are at risk of contact with substances or materials that may cause splinters or other hazardous particles, it is essential to provide appropriate eye protection. But what about prescription safety glasses? Does an employer also have to reimburse it? Here's everything you need to know.

Is an employer obliged to reimburse safety glasses?

Yes, an employer must reimburse safety glasses if they are necessary to work safely. This is laid down in the Working Conditions Act. The obligation applies especially when employees are exposed to risks such as flying particles, splinters or hazardous substances.

What if employees already have their own safety glasses?

Your own safety glasses only comply if they meet the legal standards, such as the EN 166 or the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard. Employers remain responsible for ensuring safety. If their own glasses do not meet the requirements, the employer must provide appropriate safety glasses.

What is the legal obligation with regard to safety glasses?

According to the Working Conditions Decree (article 8.1) an employer must provide personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, if necessary to protect employees against specific risks. This also applies to prescription safety glasses when regular glasses offer insufficient protection.

When are safety glasses mandatory?

Safety glasses are mandatory when employees work in environments where:

• There is a risk of splinters, dust particles or hazardous liquids.
• Mechanical damage to the eyes is possible due to falling or flying objects.

Employers must record these risks in a risk inventory and assessment (RI&E).

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What is the EN 166 standard?

The EN 166 standard has been the standard for eye protection in Europe for years. This standard sets minimum requirements in the areas of:

• Mechanical strength: Glasses must be resistant to the impact of flying particles.
• Optical clarity: Glasses must not cause visual distortion.
• Thermal resistance: Eyeglasses must remain functional under extreme temperatures.

The EN 166 certification is recognisable by the CE mark on the glasses and will remain valid until November 2025 for new certifications. After this period, safety glasses must comply with the new NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard.

What is the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard for safety glasses?

Since 2024, the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard in effect. This standard harmonizes European and global eye protection standards and replaces the old ones. EN 166 standard, which will remain valid until November 2025 for certification.

Why is this new standard important?

The NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard has been developed to:

• Uniformity: Creating consistent safety requirements around the world.
• Safety: Stricter impact tests and better protection to ensure.
• Sustainability: To increase scratch resistance and optical clarity, providing longer use and more comfort.

Do I need to switch to the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard?

No, you can use existing EN 166 certified keep using glasses until their certificates expire. For new purchases, however, it is smart to opt for safety glasses that comply with the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard, so that you meet the latest requirements.

At Seeh, we arrange everything for you: from expert advice and a complete arrangement to eye exams and ordering directly at no cost to your employees. We make it easy. Want to know more? Contact us for free advice or create a business account.

Frequently asked questions about the reimbursement of safety glasses

Does the obligation also apply to prescription safety glasses?

Yes, too prescription safety glasses must be reimbursed. If standard safety glasses are not sufficient, for example due to the specific visual needs of an employee, the employer is obliged to provide prescription safety glasses.

How do you easily arrange a fee for safety glasses?

With Seeh, you can easily facilitate a complete process. We help with expert advice, eye exams with Hans Anders, and a smooth ordering process. Employees don't have to make any advance payments; we arrange billing directly with the employer. Want to know more? Contact us.

What is the difference between the EN 166 standard and the NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard?

The EN 166 standard is valid until November 2025 and lays the foundation for safe eyewear. The NEN-EN-ISO 16321 standard continues with stricter impact tests, scratch resistance and better UV protection. For new purchases, it is wise to switch to the latest standard.

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