In what scenario is it most critical to wear safety goggles?

Wearing safety goggles in a laboratory setting is most critical due to the potential hazards associated with various chemicals, biological materials, and physical objects present in that environment. Laboratories often involve the use of substances that can be corrosive, reactive, or hazardous if they come into contact with eyes. Additionally, there may be flying particles or splashes from experiments that could cause serious injury to the eyes. Safety goggles serve as a protective barrier, ensuring that the eyes are shielded from these dangers, which is essential for maintaining health and safety in a lab.

While there are situations in other scenarios where safety goggles might also be important, such as when using power tools where flying debris could pose a risk, the laboratory environment presents a higher likelihood of exposure to harmful substances that necessitate the use of protective eyewear for eye safety. This makes it particularly important to prioritize eye protection in that context.