The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers to ensure the Health and Safety of their workforce.  Special regulations apply to the use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE).  DSE as defined in the Regulations, includes only those screens where the main use is to display, text, numbers and/or graphics, the largest group this includes are VDU Workers. The main hazards are upper limb pains and eye and eyesight effects.

Although there is no reliable evidence of eye damage caused through using DSE there is a high prevalence of symptoms among users.  Visual symptoms reported by users are eyestrain, tired eyes, irritation, burning sensation, redness, blurred vision, double vision and headaches. However there are actions an employer can take to protect their employees sight and prevent upper limb problems.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations came into force in 1992.  They cover all aspects of work with display screens including workstation analysis, daily work routines, eyes and eyesight testing, training and health and safety information.

Employers are required to provide users who request it with an appropriate eye and eyesight test. This means an eye examination carried out by an optometrist, ophthalmic optician or suitably qualified doctor.  Display screen users are not obliged to have such tests performed but where they choose to exercise their entitlement employers must comply with the request and pay for the examination.  Where spectacles are required specifically for DSE work employers are liable for the cost of basic spectacles.

Only about 20% of DSE workers have symptoms attributable to eye defects.  Employers are querying the wisdom of sending all their computer users for a full eye examination, many employers are offering Vision Screening to all their DSE workers as a means of identifying those individuals with defective vision who need a full eye test, thus reducing the costs.

Over the years Vision Screening has shown that there is not an enormous demand for full eye testing.  Vision Screening tests for Near, Intermediate and Distance Vision, it takes about 10 minutes to do and can be easily done at your premises.  It is recommended that DSE workers are tested pre-placement, where the employee reports symptoms or requests a test, then at regular intervals (generally every 2 years).

Portmill Occupational Health Services can help you with the following:

• Advice on the Display Screen Equipment Regulations

• Developing a policy on the implementation of the DSE Regulations

• Workstation risk assessment

• Training and information for users - in the prevention of upper limb disorders and eyecare

• Vision Screening

• Medical Examination, advice and follow up if problems occur

The use of DSE is increasing daily in the workplace, potentially putting more employees at risk - Make sure your Company is complying with the regulations.