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Chapter 27 VDU (Computer) Assessment

Dear ..............

EYE TESTING FOR VDU USERS

We have been firming up our policy in the last few months on the above. There have been some new guidelines from the Health & Safety Executive and the following is our current policy.

A member of staff who is liable to work every day in excess of 1 hour constantly at a VDU is regarded as a USER
Whilst others may work at a VDU for a total of over an hour per day in aggregate, they are not considered as users under the regulations.

All the research carried out on this subject to date has shown that the use of a Computer Screen (Visual Display Unit - VDU) cannot actually cause a visual defect, it may well identify a previously existing and a latent one. Holding the eye at any focal distance for a prolonged period (the normal VDU working distance is 35 cm) without relaxation of muscles, will ultimately result in visual fatigue.

We have a duty to provide for the safety of Users when they are using the VDU. In that regard we will be providing free eye tests for those designated as users. Where glasses are prescribed specifically for work with a VDU ( i.e. if the person was not a VDU user, there would be no need for the particular lenses prescribed), we will pay for these. We will, however, only be liable for the basic cost of suitable corrective lenses and standard frames. An employee who wishes to purchase more up-market glasses, e.g. with designer frames or tinted lenses, will have to fund any extra amount personally.

Once we have put this policy in place we will be carrying out VDU Assessments of all workstations concerned.

We are approaching several optometrists in ........ and .........., to arrange a contract to provide eye tests for the relevant staff.

Could you please consider if you have any staff who may be classed as a 'user' and let me know by Friday .............. 199.....

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SAFE WORKING PRACTICE

The purpose of this guide is to highlight safe working practices for the use of DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (VDU - Visual Display Unit) - IT MUST NOT BE TREATED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING

All users - employees who habitually use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work - are required to carry out particular tasks to ensure their continued health & safety

As it is recognised that the use of VDU can cause Postural problems, Visual problems and Fatigue and stress it is essential that the user follows a safe working practice.

BEFORE USE

• Check and adjust the setting of equipment :
  • Display screen
  • keyboard
  • work or desk surface
  • work chair

• Check and adjust the work environment :
  • Space requirements
  • lighting
  • reflections and glare
  • Noise
  • heat
  • radiation
  • humidity

DURING USE

• In most tasks, natural breaks or pauses occur as a consequence of the inherent organisation of the work.
• Where spells of intensive display screen work must be undertaken, these should be broken up by periods of non-intensive, non-display screen work. BREAKS OF 10 MINUTES EVERY 50 MINUTES OF DISPLAY SCREEN WORK ARE ADVISED.
• Where the display screen work involves intensive use of the keyboard, activities such as writing or knitting should be avoided during rest breaks.
• Breaks should be taken away from the screen.

AT THE END OF THE DAY

• disconnect the computer overnight
• report any defects to your supervisor
• IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE - have eyestrain, get aches, pains or sensory loss ('tingling' or 'pins and needles') in neck, back shoulder or upper arms, experience restricted joint movement, impaired finger movements or grip or other disability - YOU MUST INFORM YOUR SUPERVISOR.

REFERENCE HSE Free Leaflet INDG 36

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