VDU workers

Michelle,

I think Nigel is also saying it is compulsory. Albeit in his own succinct fashion, only kidding Nige :-)

Wayne & Michelle - Studies may not have shown a specific change in refractive acuity of visual system over the short term nevertheless, over 15 years in other studies 58% of subjects reporting the debilitating affects of Screen Fatigue or CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) and 28% require a corrective prescription for reading although,, for less than 12%, neither reading nor PPE screen glasses helped reduce the associated symptoms of DSE work related distress or RSI type harm from eye strain and headaches to neck and shoulder pain or more serious upper body or muscular-skeletal disorders.(HSE RR561 2007)

Sooo, regardless of other EU states approach including full health screening for DSE user operators the UK has chosen the MINIMUM requirement for employers to provide FREE PPE equipment and as a pair of steel toe capped boots would be of little use in mitigating the risks or hazards for screen user operator interface a pair of single prescription screen glasses is all that is currently available.

However, this maybe all about to change when the new EU MSD Directive is published as it has been recognised that the EEC Manual Handling & DSE Directive 1990 let alone UK's version DSE Reg's 92 and revisions early 2000 have remained " ineffective " and has not reduced reported harm or injuries.

Not surprising really as although it says Display Screen Equipment on the tin the focus of attention has been almost solely on the "workstation" and little or no attention has been given to the DSE nor interface between the screen and user operator - Doh

All I know is that when put out for consultation there was a bit of resilience to the wording that included "stress" and that put the wind up a few employers and other bodies. However, I suspect it will remain in the final document in some form or maybe opened wider by using the word "Well-being" and it will be interesting to see how the UK translates that into our health and safety legislation.

Hi Michelle,

Yes you do!

Quoted directly from the linked site: -

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSafetyAtWork/DG_10026668

Free eye tests

Studies haven't shown a link between VDU use and damage to eyesight, but if you feel that using a VDU screen is making your eyes tired, tell your employer or employee safety representative.

You have the right to a free eyesight test if you use, or are about to use, a VDU a lot during work hours. You can also get more free tests if recommended by your optician.

If you are prescribed glasses to help you work with a VDU, your employer must pay for a basic pair of glasses, provided they are needed especially for your work.

Can anybody tell me if it is compulsory for an employer to pay for eye tests and any new glasses for VDU workers or is this just good practice?