SpecSaverS corporate eyecare'S - Information and Procurement Tool series - employers' information on eyecare regulations for screen-users
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Specsavers Corporate Eyecare’s Information and Procurement Tool series Guide to DSE eyecare For the Republic of Ireland Employers’ information on eyecare regulations for screen-users ie.corporateeyecare@specsavers.com
Introduction The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work The key facts provide a quick reference (General Application) Regulations 2007, are guide, with fuller analysis given in the in place to protect anyone who regularly detailed exploration of the guidelines. uses a display screen in the course of their work. The regulations are lengthy, open to For more information on the regulations misinterpretation and, at times, confusing. and their application in the workplace, This guide to display screen equipment (DSE) contact Specsavers Corporate Eyecare on eyecare, by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, 0818 275 664 or ie.corporateeyecare@ aims to make the rules easy for employers specsavers.com and managers to understand and apply. To provide the information in a user-friendly and readily accessible format, the guide to DSE Eyecare is broken down into two main sections: • Key facts • Detailed exploration of the guidelines
Key facts
• The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work • Users are entitled to make further
(General Application) Regulations 2007 requests for eye tests at regular intervals
apply to any employee who habitually or at any point that they feel VDU work is
uses display screen equipment as a causing visual discomfort
significant part of his or her normal work.
This covers anyone who uses a VDU for • There is no provision within the
near-continuous spells of an hour or more regulations for contact lenses
at a time
• Laptops are not covered by the
• It is the responsibility of the employer to regulations
train users, assess workstations, reduce the
risks and plan changes of activity or breaks • Bifocals or varifocals are to be treated
for users with caution for VDU work. The decision is
ultimately the optometrist’s
• Using a VDU has not been shown to cause
permanent damage to the eyes or eyesight. • If the user’s own spectacles are
However, some people will need glasses for suitable for VDU work then there is no
screen use requirement for the employer to pay for
them or to provide additional glasses
• An eye test should be given before VDU use
begins and at regular intervals thereafter. • The employer is required to communicate
details about VDU health and safety to all
• The employer must fund VDU eye tests relevant employees
• If it is found that spectacles are required • Additional benefits, such as retinal
specifically for VDU use, the employer must screening, are often available at no extra
fund the cost for basic frames and lenses cost and add value for money to this legal
obligation
• There is no requirement for employees to
make any contribution to the costDetailed exploration
of the guidelines
Backgound The intermediate distance for screen use
• If the VDU is generally used by the • Computer systems mainly intended for
In the late 1980s, when DSE became widely employee daily public use is typically between 33 and 60cm. With the
used in the workplace, there were real variety of DSE available today, this cannot,
• Portable display screen equipment not in
concerns that radiation from the screens Display screen equipment is defined as prolonged use at a workstation however, be automatically assumed. The
and monitors could damage people’s eyes. critical criteria are, therefore, whether
computer screens and microfiche readers • Calculators, cash registers and any
This lead to the enactment of legislation to and applies to cathode ray tube screens equipment having a small data or glasses are specifically required to view the
ensure that companies took the health of and other display processes, such as liquid measurement display required for direct screen clearly at the correct distance for that
their employees’ eyes seriously. Extensive crystal. Screens for showing films, videos, use of the equipment particular device and whether this would be
research has since found no evidence possible with the users’ uncorrected vision
television pictures or surveillance are not • Typewriters of traditional design, of the
that DSE can cause disease or permanent covered under the regulations. Those with type known as ‘typewriter with window’ or using glasses already required for general
damage to eyes. However, long spells of a range of functions, including viewing data day-to-day use.
use can lead to tired eyes and discomfort, and graphics, will need to be assessed and Guidelines in practice
which in turn will have an impact on the will fall under the regulations depending Under the DSE regulations, the eye ‘test’ Indeed, the regulations state that employers
individual’s concentration and productivity. on the function for which they are most actually entitles the employee to a test are required only to provide ‘special’
commonly used. of vision and an examination of the eye, corrective appliances (glasses) solely and
Who is covered? designed to find eye defects, injury and specifically for reading a display screen.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Laptops are not covered as DSE regulations diseases that may not result in vision These are distinguished from ‘normal’
(General Application) Regulations 2007 are state that the keyboard shall be tiltable and disturbances. corrective appliances that are, quite simply,
in place to protect workers who regularly separate from the screen so as to allow the glasses that are used for anything else.
use computer screens. Chapter 5 of part 2 user to find a comfortable working position. It is commonly thought that eye tests must
covers DSE specifically. be carried out annually. The regulations Despite the exaggerated fears of many
With a complex mix of factors and a actually state that eye tests must be carried employers, the number of employees
DSE refers to any alphanumeric or graphic subjective element involved, a policy of out before commencing display screen needing spectacles for VDU work is actually
display screen, regardless of the display inclusion is often the best option. Employers work and at regular intervals thereafter. a very small proportion of users, usually
process involved. Any member of staff can spend far more time and money trying to The intervals will be determined by factors less then 10%. Depending on the workplace
who ‘habitually’ uses DSE may request that exclude one person from their cover than it such as the age of the employee and the demographics, this can often be a lot lower,
their employer pays for them to have an would take to include everyone in a blanket, intensity of VDU use. In reality, it is often although a workforce with an average age
eye examination and glasses if they are low-cost scheme. best to leave this decision to the expertise over 40 will be particularly susceptible to
necessary. The specific details determining of the optometrist. Staff are, however, also presbyopia (the inability to maintain a clear
those covered by the regulations are: The regulations do, however, specifically entitled to claim eye tests at any time if image as objects are moved closer), which is
state some equipment that is NOT included: they feel their eyes have been damaged or an age-related condition.
• If the employee has no choice but to use • Drivers’ cabs or control cabs for vehicles or strained or if they have suffered headaches
the VDU to carry out their work machinery as a consequence of VDU work.
• If the employee normally uses the VDU • Computer systems on board a means of
continuously for more than an hour transportWho should pay? provide an eye examination and complete Providers Materials explaining to employees
The DSE regulations clearly state that the glasses for as little as €25 per person. Finding the right provider of corporate what they are entitled to and how the
employer must pay the full costs of an eye eyecare is important on a number of levels. process works are very important. All
examination and the provision of basic Understanding the risk It must be able to offer a consistent level supporting documents should be written
glasses when required for VDU use. While the DSE regulations aim to protect of service and be considered trustworthy and communicated in a way that is clear,
This does, however, take into account the health of people who work with VDUs, it by both the company and the employee. concise and easy to understand.
any entitlement which an employee may does not mean that such work is risky. If the Administration needs to be considered as
have to any tests and appliances provided user follows good practice, such as setting up systems that save time will save money. Wider benefits
by the State. their workstation well and taking breaks in Cost control is paramount: there are a Specsavers has now completed the
intensive work, then there is no reason why it number of options that will satisfy legislation installation of millions of pounds-worth
If special corrective appliances (spectacles) is not totally safe. and they all come with a different price tag; of life-saving digital retinal cameras (also
are required exclusively for working at by choosing the right supplier it is possible known as fundus cameras) in its network
a display screen they must be provided The regulations were introduced because DSE to save a third of what some will charge. of stores across Ireland. The cameras allow
at no cost to the employee. Should the was becoming so common in the workplace. the provision of a digital retinal screening
spectacles be used also for other purposes There was potential, therefore, to make Communication service to all appropriate clients. Retinal
the employer must cover the cost of the work more comfortable and productive for a Communication is the vital element in screening with a fundus camera is an
correction required for working with display very large number of people by taking a few making benefits pay for themselves and the integral part of health and wellbeing, with
screens. simple precautions. regulations state that the employer must the emphasis on preventative care.
make known the provision of eyecare. With
Keeping costs down People who need glasses for reading will employer-funded eyecare available for Now being used routinely by Specsavers
It is wise for the employer to appoint their also need to use them for computer work. most employees, it is vital that staff are fully Corporate Eyecare in full eye examinations
chosen optician, rather than leaving the Even people with nothing wrong with their aware of their entitlement, not only so that for the over-40s, including for VDU and
decision to each individual member of staff eyesight can find, however, that they get they claim it but also so that it is achieved safety eyewear, the fundus technology
as the cost differences between providers headaches when using a computer for too most cost-effectively. allows the optometrist to detect and monitor
can be enormous. long. Shifting gaze from screen to keyboard the following illnesses and health conditions:
Enrolling all staff with the same eyecare means eyes have to change focus quickly, Poor communication of entitlement, • diabetes
provider – in just the same way as all signing resulting in eyestrain, hence the importance leading to the employee choosing their • various heart conditions
up to the same medical insurance scheme – of regular breaks or changes of activity. own provider of eyecare, can prove an • cancers of the eye, such as melanomas
ensures that the company will get the most Although the regulations set no specific extremely costly mistake. An employer • brain tumours
economic deal. frequency for breaks, no single continuous presented with an expense form for a • high cholesterol
period of work at a screen should, in general, more costly option will either have to • detached retina
The Specsavers Corporate Eyecare exceed one hour. swallow this additional and sometimes • hypertension (high blood pressure)
proposition is based on vouchers and can excessive cost as a business or pass it • glaucoma
back to the unsuspecting employee.FURTHER READING The best policy Work with display screen equipment The appropriate steps must be taken by all The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work employers to ensure they are complying (General Application) Regulations 2007 can fully with the DSE regulations. The best be found via www.hsa.ie. Chapter 5 of part 2 option is for an eyecare policy to be created covers Display Screen Equipment. and applied. This will help to ensure that all obligations are met and also that this basic The objective of this document is to give but essential health care effectively delivers general guidance regarding eye health in the many, often free, additional benefits for the workplace. It is not intended as a legal employees and employers alike. interpretation of the legislation.
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