Eye protection: what the Z87+ stamp means and when OSHA requires it

Safety glasses are the cheapest PPE on the site and the one with the most direct injury math behind it. The rule is short, the marking system is simple, and the difference between a compliant pair and a hardware-store pair is printed on the temple.

In a hurry — the picks (affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; the marking system below)

The individual pair	NoCry anti-fog wraparound (51,000+ ratings)
Anti-fog alternative	TICONN ANSI Z87.1
Side shields	Ergodyne Skullerz SIXTEN
Gate box 24-pack	Clear Z87 glasses, 24-pack

The rule: 29 CFR 1926.102

Eye and face protection is required whenever workers are exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustics, chemical gases or vapors, or light radiation — which on a working site means cutting, grinding, nailing, demolition, concrete work, and most of the trades around them.
The equipment must comply with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. The compliance evidence is the marking on the frame and lens: Z87 is the basic standard; Z87+ means the lens passed high-velocity impact testing — the marking to insist on for construction.
Side protection is required where flying-object hazards exist — wraparound lenses or side shields, not flat dress-style frames.
Workers who wear prescription lenses must use eye protection that incorporates the prescription or fits over it (1926.102(a)(3)) — the practical answer is OTG ("over the glasses") models or prescription safety glasses.
For welding and cutting, the rule adds shade-number requirements — that's a separate purchase (filtered lenses/hoods), not tinted safety glasses.

Buying it so it actually gets worn

Compliance fails at the fogging step, not the purchase step: glasses that fog get pushed up onto the hard hat and stay there. Anti-fog coatings and fit are the difference between owned PPE and worn PPE. And like vests, eyewear walks off — the crew box needs spares.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The product links below go to Amazon and are affiliate links, so a qualifying purchase may earn this site a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not used every product, it does not change what is listed here, and Amazon does not sponsor or endorse this site.

NoCry clear safety glasses, anti-fog and scratch-resistant wraparound

Fits: the individual pair — one of the most-reviewed safety glasses anywhere (51,000+ ratings), wraparound coverage.

TICONN anti-fog safety glasses, ANSI Z87.1

Fits: a widely reviewed alternative fit (1,000+ ratings) with the anti-fog coating that keeps them on faces in humid weather.

Ergodyne Skullerz SIXTEN with side shields, anti-fog + anti-scratch

Fits: a name-brand pair with explicit side shields for flying-object work (600+ ratings).

Clear ANSI Z87 safety glasses, 24-pack

Fits: the gate box and visitor rack — the same "spares exist, so the rule is enforceable" logic as vests and hard hats.

Common questions

What does Z87+ mean on safety glasses?

Z87 marks compliance with the basic ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard; the plus sign means the lens and frame passed high-velocity impact testing. For construction work, Z87+ is the marking to insist on — it's stamped on the temple or lens.

Does OSHA require safety glasses on construction sites?

Whenever workers are exposed to flying particles, chemicals, or light radiation (1926.102) — which in practice covers cutting, grinding, nailing, demolition and most trades around them. Many GCs simplify this to "eye protection site-wide."

Can you wear regular glasses instead of safety glasses?

No — ordinary prescription lenses are not impact-rated. Workers who need corrective lenses must use prescription safety eyewear or OTG ("over the glasses") models that fit over their regular pair.