Is an employer obliged to reimburse prescription safety glasses?

Yes, under the Working Conditions Act, an employer is obliged to reimburse prescription safety glasses if they are necessary to perform work safely. according article 8.1 of the Working Conditions Decree the employer must provide personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, if risks cannot be eliminated by other means. Article 44 of the Working Conditions Act states that the costs resulting from compliance with the Working Conditions Act and associated rules may not be recovered from the employee.

When does this obligation apply?

The compensation applies if the following conditions are met:

• The employee is at risk of eye injuries, for example due to flying particles, splinters, or chemicals.
• There is no other way to adequately eliminate the risk, such as foreclosure or source approach.
• Ordinary glasses do not provide sufficient protection.

So prescription safety glasses fall under this obligation if the employee needs prescription glasses to do his job properly and needs extra eye protection. The glasses must then comply with the EN 166 standard or the EN-EN-ISO 16321-1:2022 for personal eye protection.

Is an employer obliged to reimburse safety glasses?

Yes, an employer is obliged to provide an appropriate solution if eye protection is required for safe work. This often means that the employer must provide or reimburse safety glasses, for example in the event of risks such as flying particles or dangerous substances. The exact obligation depends on the company's risk inventory and assessment (RI&E).

What is the maximum allowance for safety glasses?

There is no statutory maximum fee for safety glasses. The employer decides from which supplier the glasses are ordered and which type is offered. As long as the glasses comply with safety standards (such as EN 166 or NEN-EN-ISO 16321-1:2022) and are suitable for work, the employer may set frameworks for this. However, the glasses must be fully reimbursed, including the appropriate strength and protection. A maximum amount should not be at the expense of eligibility.

Who decides what type of safety glasses are needed?

The employer is responsible for choosing a suitable safety goggles. In doing so, the type of risk, the working conditions and the visual needs of the employee must be considered. If the employee needs prescription glasses, the correct strength must also be reimbursed. Think of single, multifocal or multifocal optimal. Just like safety shoes, the fit must also be right for glasses: the right strength is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Can an employer ask for a personal contribution for safety glasses?

No, that's not allowed. According to article 8.2 of the Working Conditions Decree, the employer must provide personal protective equipment free of charge. Article 44 of the Working Conditions Act says that the costs of complying with the law cannot be recovered from the employee. A personal contribution is therefore not allowed, even if the employee needs prescription glasses.

Even with more luxurious models, the employer must reimburse full and suitable glasses. The employee should not be obliged to pay extra for extra comfort or a nicer frame. An additional contribution can only be discussed if the employee voluntarily opts for a more expensive model that is not necessary for work. But the employer must always fully reimburse a good and safe alternative.

What if an employee has damage to their prescription safety glasses?

If the safety glasses were provided by the employer for work, the employer must repair or replace them in the event of damage. The glasses fall under personal protective equipment, and the employer remains responsible for their condition and functioning. This also applies in case of wear or if the strength is no longer correct.

How often do safety glasses need to be replaced?

There is no fixed period for this. Safety glasses must be replaced if they no longer protect properly, are damaged, or if the strength of the lenses no longer matches the employee's vision. Wear to the coating or frame can also be a reason for replacement. The employer must check this periodically, just like other PBMs.

Also read: How often should your employees have their eyes tested?

What if employees already have their own safety glasses?

If an employee already has their own safety glasses, the employer remains responsible for safe working conditions. The employer must check that the glasses are suitable for work and meet the appropriate standard, such as the EN 166 standard. If this is not the case, the employer must provide approved safety glasses. According to article 8.1 of the Working Conditions Decree, that obligation lies with the employer. Article 44 of the Working Conditions Act says that its costs cannot be recovered from the employee.

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