Twelve years ago, Barry Weatherall was working at a plumbing and heating company in Red Deer, Alta. He was healthy and had full use of his vision — until a chemical explosion at work left him in the dark, literally.

“I was trying to neutralize sulfuric acid with another chemical called caustic soda bead, and I got bad information from the chemical company. Took off all my protective gear and it blew up in my face,” recalls Weatherall. The only thing that kept him from getting killed in that explosion was the dust mask he was wearing at the time.

Sperian Protection Uvex Stealth Reader Goggle is the industry’s first safety goggle with reading magnifiers, the company claims. Available in five diopter strengths ranging from +1.0 to +3.0, the new goggle is ideal for workers who require not only increased magnification for close-up inspection or fine detail work but also the added protection of a goggle. The Uvex Stealth Reader Goggle is available in a clear lens with Uvextreme anti-fog coating, and its economical lens replacement system extends the life of the goggle, the company said. Made in the USA, this goggle meets the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard for high impact protection as well as the CSA Z94.3 safety standard. Like all Uvex lenses, the Uvex Stealth Reader Goggle offers 99.9 percent ultra-violet protection, the company said. The Uvex Stealth Reader Goggle’s low profile, wrap-around style offers complete coverage and unobstructed vision on the job. Its wide, adjustable slide headband features pivoting clips for an easy-to-adjust fit for complete comfort, even with hard hats. www.uvex.us

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind has launched the Industrial Eye Safety Program in Alberta in conjunction with the observance of the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week being held across the continent from May 3 to 8.

Alberta is the second province to launch the CNIB Industrial Eye Safety Program. The program was first launched in British Columbia. The CNIB says the program is expected to become available nationwide within the next year.