Safety goggles, Suva,

1929

Only with the introduction of compulsory accident insurance in 1918 by the Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund), or Suva for short, was greater attention placed on the physical protection of workers. With one in seven industrial accidents in Switzerland affecting the eyes, Suva distributed safety goggles as one of its first campaigns. In 1928, it then developed various models (made by Swiss companies) geared to user needs and had them patented. Over three million pairs of goggles based on the same design principle were sold. All models can be flexibly adapted to different face shapes and are easy to use. A clip of fine steel wire encircles the round lenses and connects them via a resilient bridge. All components—lenses, headband, and lens frames that fit close to the skin and are made out of molded fiber material (a cellulose derivative)—can be replaced individually. The 1929 model was available in a sturdy variation with an elastic strap or with eyeglass earpieces. This first model, as well as the other variants from 1932 and 1947, was worn not only as safety goggles but also as sunglasses by young men enamored of the machine aesthetic—an early example of the symbolic use of functional design. (Renate Menzi)