1926.102(a)(3): Eye Protection for Prescription Wearers
Construction employers must make sure each worker who wears prescription lenses during operations with eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription, or eye protection that fits over the prescription lenses without disturbing either the prescription or protective lenses.
Key takeaways
- 1926.102(a)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $21,859 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (18), FL (4), PR (3).
- Related part: 1926.102(a) General (6,696 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.102(a)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.102 Eye and face protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(3) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses. 31 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.102.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: MI (18), FL (4), PR (3), CT (2), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRAE-CON CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CHARLESTON, WV | $4,000 |
| THE STOWELL COMPANY INC | ORLANDO, FL | $3,872 |
| MAKA CONSTRUCTION LLC | WAILUKU, HI | $2,194 |
| SEA CASTLE PR LLC | MAYAGUEZ, PR | $1,800 |
| HONEST HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC | WETHERSFIELD, CT | $1,774 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.102(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.102(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.102(a) General 6,696 citations
- 1926.102(a)(1) 6,556 citations
- 1926.102(a)(2) 105 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Are regular prescription glasses enough?
No. The worker needs eye protection that incorporates the prescription or that fits over the prescription lenses.
What are the two options?
Prescription safety eyewear, or protection worn over prescription lenses without disturbing their position.
Who must ensure this?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.102 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.