When should safety glasses be worn?

Safety glasses should be worn when there is a risk of debris or projectiles that can cause eye injury. In the context of using a claw hammer, particularly when performing tasks like nailing or prying, there is a significant potential for flying debris, such as wood fragments or metal shards. The action of striking nails or removing them can result in materials becoming airborne, increasing the risk of eye injuries if protective eyewear is not worn.

While the other tools listed—slotted head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, and slip joint pliers—carry their own risks, they generally do not produce the same level of hazardous debris or flying objects as a claw hammer. Therefore, wearing safety glasses is especially critical when using tools like a claw hammer to mitigate the risk of injury to the eyes in a workshop or construction setting.