It is vitally important that employers are aware of the Health & Safety Regulations applying to all visual display screen equipment, i.e. computer screens and monitors, in relation to employee health and well being.
One of the main problems encountered by using workstations is eye strain, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, sore eyes, staff absenteeism and ultimately reduced productivity. As an employer you may be liable for potential claims against you, should you not adhere to the regulations.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 state that employers must:
[1] Ensure that employees are aware of their entitlement to regular eye tests by a registered optometrist, with the cost of the eye test met by the employer in full.
[2] Carry out a risk assessment of workstations used by employees in order to reduce any identified risks.
[3] Ensure that employees take regular and adequate breaks from looking at their screens.
[4] Provide their computer users with adequate health and safety training for any workstation they work at.
Eye Care Vouchers – financial saving or spending???
It is current practice that employers purchase eye care vouchers in bulk from an approved provider. They then give these to employees who can take them to an optometrist and redeem the voucher for a full eye test. However, for one reason or another many vouchers simply do not get redeemed and the initial company spend is wasted.