POLICY NUMBER: 2. 1. 7R

Effective Date: October 2, 1997
Date Issued: October 21, 1997
Date Approved by Board of Directors: October 2, 1997
Topic: Eyeglasses
Section: Health Care
Subsection: Workers' Expenses

Policy Statement

1. Eyeglasses damaged as the result of an accident arising from a worker's employment will be repaired or replaced. Generally, the eyeglasses must have been worn at the time of the accident. The Board will not pay for glasses that are lost, broken, or damaged as a result of the actions of the worker.

2. Eyeglasses will be repaired/replaced when glasses are being worn and the damage results from an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

3. Eyeglasses may be repaired/replaced when:

a) damage results from excessive pitting from the use of electrical welding and/or sanding machines;

b) damages results from putting on or taking off necessary safety equipment (i.e. goggles, helmets, etc.); or

c) damage results from a hazard of employment (i.e., brushing away an insect, or other reflexive, protective movement).

4. Eyeglasses will not usually be repaired/replaced when damaged/broken when:

a) damage results from the eyeglasses falling from the worker's pocket or damage while in the worker's pocket due to an action by the worker;

b) damage results from the eyeglasses being dropped during routine cleaning, etc.;

c) damage results from the eyeglasses falling from a worker's face without any accident (i.e., improperly fitted glasses, excessive sweating).

5. Repair and replacement will be limited to the part(s) damaged in the work-related accident (i.e., if frames are damaged, frames will be repaired/replaced; if one lens is damaged, one lens will be replaced, etc).

6. The repair/replacement must be done within three months of the date the worker is notified that the repair/replacement must be carried out within a three month period.

7. A maximum of $150.00 will be allowed for frames.

Application

This Policy applies to all decisions made on or after October 2, 1997. It replaces Policy 2.1.7 issued on December 1, 1995 and effective February 1, 1996.

References

Workers' Compensation Act (Chapter 10, Acts of 1994 - 95), Section 102.