Display Screen Equipment
As an employer, we must protect our employees from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE), such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more. We describe these workers as 'DSE users'. The regulations do not apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time.
Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in necks, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists and hands as well as fatigue and eye strain. The causes may not always be obvious.
Where the regulations apply the Manager should ensure that employees carry out a DSE assessment (LINC Intranet) and submit it to their manager for review.
A risk assessment needs to be carried out if there is a change of user, a change in equipment, or in location or set up.
Agile workers who use DSE equipment for extended periods should follow this process for each location.
Eye tests for DSE users
An employer must provide an eyesight test for a DSE user if they request one. The employer must also pay for the test. This should be a full eye and eyesight test including a vision test and an eye examination.
Glasses for DSE work
Employers only have to pay for glasses for DSE work if the test shows an employee needs special glasses prescribed for the distance the screen is viewed at. If an ordinary prescription is suitable, employers do not have to pay for glasses.
Specsavers Voucher Scheme
In Denbighshire County Council we use the Corporate Specsavers Voucher scheme which will cover the cost of a pair of middle distance (pc) glasses solely and specifically for VDU use if required. No other correction is supplied under the voucher i.e. near or far as it does not come under the regulations. The voucher will also cover the cost of the test. A user cannot request a voucher if they have already received one within two years.
If the above applies, then the Manager must email HR Direct to confirm approval for an eye test and also provide the employee’s Payroll Number and a budget code and a voucher will be emailed to the employee directly from Specsavers.