Every frame in the SafeStyle Protective Eyewear range have all undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that they meet the safety and performance criteria outlined in the certification standards through SAI Global.
This certification signifies that our eyewear is suitable for use in situations where eye protection is required, providing users with confidence that it will effectively safeguard them.
It’s an important marker of quality and safety for individuals and organisations seeking appropriate protective gear to protect them from the worksite to the weekend. SafeStyle are committed to delivering high quality and trustworthy solutions which is why all our eyewear has been certified with SAI Global.
AS/NZS 1337.1 and AS/NZS 1337.6 standards are applicable to Australia and New Zealand for personal eye protection for occupational applications for prescription and non-prescription protective eyewear.
These standards specify the minimum requirements SafeStyle’s protective eyewear range must meet and guarantees protection from:
Our very own Australian, Perth Founder - Tim Lewis
Tim Lewis, SafeStyle Founder
The founder of SafeStyle, Tim Lewis, shares the story of how his plumbing business and a glimpse of himself in the rear-view mirror sparked the creation of the world’s first pair of stylish safety glasses certified to AS/NZS 1337.1. Tim takes us through the early days of starting the company, including designing, manufacturing, and packing orders from his bedroom, and how he grew the brand with the help of his team of 30, aiming to educate people on the importance of wearing protective eyewear not only at work but also on the weekend!
Where did the idea for SafeStyle come from?
Before I (Tim Lewis), founded SafeStyle in 2018, I used to run my own plumbing business in Perth. One day while driving home from work, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rear-view mirror and noticed the cheap, disposable safety glasses I had to wear every day. I thought to myself, I need to find some better-looking safety glasses.
It was a bit of a light bulb moment. I realised that there was a huge gap in the market for stylish and certified safety eyewear. I searched online but found nothing like it available worldwide. That then led me on my journey to start SafeStyle.
How did you start SafeStyle?
Once I had the idea it motivated me to see if it was possible to take on the giants of the safety eyewear industry.
First, I researched Australian safety standards and set my sights on creating the world’s first pair of stylish safety glasses certified to AS/NZS 1337.1.
I engaged with many manufacturers and learned about the production process. I started with basic sketches that evolved into 2D and 3D drawings, followed by 3D-printed samples. Once I was satisfied with the final 3D print, I sought feedback from friends, which was overwhelmingly positive.
That’s when I pulled the trigger, I used my life savings to produce the first pair of SafeStyle safety glasses. I went over so many hurdles, sending thousands of emails regarding testing and certifying to then finally placing my first order over a year later.
The first website I created had one home page with three products featured, it was certainly nothing special, but hey, it worked. I had a few sales coming in and I honestly couldn’t believe all my hard work may have just paid off.
My first shipment arrived and I started to pick and pack orders from my bedroom. I used to hand write each and every order in my bedroom, pack them with a piece of paper from the daily newspaper for padding to save on costs and waste, and take the daily orders down to the post office. At the start it was 1 or 2 a day, but within weeks I had started developing a reputation as the guy who would create the long lines in the Post Office at around 4:00pm every afternoon.
From there I quit plumbing to spend every waking hour on SafeStyle.
In the early days it was difficult to keep up with demand on my own. Juggling all tasks from creating and designing the product, learning marketing, logistics and all the rest. Pretty quickly I realised I needed some support.
Once I let go of trying to do it all on my own and reached out for help that’s when things really took off.
Loved by many, and giving back to charitable cause!
Fast forward four years
SafeStyle have now sold over 500,000 pairs, we are in over 500 retail stores. SafeStyle is now built of a team of 30 absolute legends I (Tim Lewis), call my best mates and we have all worked together to build the brand we see today.
I (Tim Lewis) have always wanted to create a brand that can give back to the community and I am really proud of our charity range. To date we have donated over $150k to charity, we have partnered with the likes of The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Lifeline and our newest partner is Lions Outback Vision.
The feedback from our customers has been insane, all the comments, photos, tags and likes on socials is pretty overwhelming to see. I am stoked to have such epic support from the SafeStyle community and I can’t wait to see this grow even more. SafeStyle wouldn’t be where we are today without everyones support, so i’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who purchased a pair, has told a friend, tagged us in their photos and spread the love!
Frames and lenses must withst and impacts from a 6mm steel ball at 45m/s.
Frames and lenses must be able to withstand impact and stress without breaking.
Frames and lenses must fit properly and cover the eyes adequately to provide protection.
Frames and lenses must have a high level of optical clarity and minimal distortion to ensure clear vision.
Frames and lenses should be durable enough to maintain their protective qualities over time.
Tested indicates the product has been tested by the manufacturer only.
Whereas certified means the organisation has undergone a rigorous audit and testing program to then be approved to apply the 5 tick Australian StandardsMarkTM to the product.
Certification provides a higher level of assurance of safety and compliance. Certified products meet legal and industry requirements, whereas tested products may not. Every frame in the SafeStyle Protective Eyewear range has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure our customers the ultimate protection.
LOOK FOR THE 5 TICKS: You will know if the product is certified by locating the five tick SAI Global logo found on packaging or certification markings located on the actual product.
The SafeStyle Fusions are an iconic rectangular style frame that’s available in a huge range of colours and lens types.
Check out the SafeStyle Classics — the original frame that sparked the stylish safety glasses revolution.
SafeStyle's retro-inspired round style frame combine vintage charm with modern safety standards
The ultimate XL safety glasses available in clear, tinted and polarised lenses.
SafeStyle’s Mirrored lens tech reflect your unique style and keep intense sunlight at bay on the worksite or out on the water.
Discover SafeStyle's Prescription Safety Glasses range, providing both certified safety and vision correction in one epic package.
Discover SafeStyle's Rapids Safety Glasses range, providing wrap fit frames for superior protection.
Discover SafeStyle's Harps Safety Glasses range - a solid frame with blacked-out side shields for sun glare protection.
