Milwaukee Tool has launched new over-the-glasses (OTG) safety eyewear, which are designed to fit over most prescription glasses.
The new Milwaukee OTG safety glasses meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards, and are “high-velocity impact tested to provide users with military-grade impact protection.”
The glasses feature a wrap-around frame, and a top rubber guard that helps protect against debris.
As with other OTG safety glasses, the safety lens extends to the side for added shielding. The lens features an anti-scratch exterior coating, and fog-free interior coating.
There are two styles, both with dual-coated lenses:
- Clear (48-70-2070) – $20
- Tinted (48-70-2075) – $20
ETA: May 2024
Milwaukee Safety Glasses at Home Depot
Discussion
While this isn’t a major announcement, it’s very noteworthy. I rely on OTG glasses, and mainly use safety goggles due to the poor selection of comfortable and effective glasses that fit over my prescription eyewear.
When Milwaukee launched their first safety glasses way back in 2019, I asked about the prospect for over-the-glasses safety eyewear.
At the time, the answer was more or less “not now, but we won’t say never,” which is a popular way to say it wasn’t on their immediate roadmap.
Here’s a short list of the kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear they’ve launched in the years since:
- Safety glasses at a range of price points
- Ear plugs
- Disposable and reusable dust masks
- Hard hats
- Helmets
- Tether and working and heights gear
- Vests
- Helmet and hard hat attachments
- Work pants
- Work gloves – huge selection
- Knee pads
They also have hard hat-connectable components that aren’t offered separately, such as ear muffs, face shields, and a sun shield. I also needed arm guards and bought both styles to test out.
I’m sure I missed something, but it’s clear this is not a short list of safety gear.
OTG safety glasses is not a high priority for any brand, but here they are. I’m glad to see Milwaukee filling in some holes, but they’re not done yet.
I’m eager for Milwaukee to work on hearing protection earmuffs, similar to what connects to their BOLT helmet and hard hat attachment points, and maybe face shields.
The $20 price for the OTG glasses surprised me, but the rubber top seal is a premium feature, and a fog-free interior coating sounds nice.
Maybe these will be the first OTG glasses to compel me to switch from goggles – that would sure be nice.