My name is Brad Francis, the Director of the RX Safety Eyewear Division at Safety Products Inc. Over the years, I have had extensive experience in various roles within the prescription safety eyewear industry. When asked what I thought were the top 5 elements of an effective prescription safety eyewear program, I thought it best to ask our loyal customers for their feedback instead of giving my own. Surprisingly, in our customers’ view the most crucial aspects of a functional program extends beyond mere pricing. Join me in exploring the key insights from our valuable customers.
For this blog, I have engaged with various customers in the manufacturing and general industry sectors to gain insight into the thoughtful considerations from EHS Managers and safety professionals when selecting and implementing a successful prescription safety eyewear program for their organizations. Understanding the precise needs and priorities of our customers is paramount to consistently surpassing their expectations and driving continuous development.
By directly gathering insights from these professionals, we can pinpoint the primary factors influencing their decision-making process and prioritize their requirements. This approach empowers us to customize RX safety eyewear solutions to meet their needs, ensuring an effective implementation within their companies. After feedback collection, I am pleased to present the top 5 key elements, listed in order of importance based on their average ratings.
What I felt might have been the second most important reason for selecting a program was unanimously the least important to these companies surveyed.
Brad Francis
1. MEETS ANSI STANDARD AND OSHA COMPLIANCE
The American National Standards Institute has requirements for RX safety glasses, specifically the Z87.1 standard for impact durability, which must be stamped on frames and lenses for compliance. This standard is referenced in the Federal standard set by OSHA and also complies with the International Equipment Association Standard (EN166). When EN166 is stamped on a frame, it indicates compliance with European standards. Compliance with these standards is the primary requirement for implementing a safety glass program.
2. EASE OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
The companies interviewed for this blog provided the second most important requirement for their programs, shedding light on the challenges faced by EHS and Safety Managers. It is evident that many RX safety eyewear programs can be complex and time-consuming for these professionals, considering their multitude of responsibilities. The shared desire for programs that are easy to manage, backed by distributor support, and free from challenges underscores the industry’s demand for efficient and reliable solutions. This emphasis on simplicity reflects the ongoing quest for streamlined RX safety eyewear programs.
3. PRODUCT QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY
The feedback mentioned that the supply chain and overall quality of the product was their 3rd concern. All respondents indicated that they had used the same companies for many years and did not see a reason to change it. Importantly, they emphasized that the only circumstance that would prompt a change in suppliers would be due to supply chain availability. This aspect highlighted the significant impact of reliable and consistent supply chain operations on their decision-making processes.
4. BILLING SYSTEMS AND SIMPLICITY OF BILLING
Companies thought it was essential to fully integrate their vendor and billing systems in order to effectively conduct business with one another. The seamless use of the billing system, access to the system, and adherence to payment terms are crucial components in fostering successful and efficient vendor-client relationships. Additionally, the aspect that caught my attention was the prevalence of challenging experiences among these companies. It’s evident that navigating the complexities of vendor and billing systems can present significant obstacles, and understanding how these companies overcame these challenges could provide valuable insights for businesses facing similar issues.
5. PRICE OF THE PROGRAM
What I felt might have been the second most important reason for selecting a program was unanimously the least important to these companies surveyed. I found this gratifying and extremely pleased that their safety professionals in charge of making sure they do everything they can to send their employees home safely did not put price ahead of safety. There is genuine commitment to creating a work environment where the safety and welfare of every individual is paramount and reflects positively to foster a culture of trust and reliability within the workplace.
In summary, it was reassuring and exciting to find these consistent results from some of the largest and most well known manufacturing companies in the USA. What I have learned is safety, simplicity and compliance far outweighs pricing and brand name products.
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