Computers have been commonplace at the workplace for years now and the regulations that cover the screens to protect you are called The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
These regulations are one of the few which are specifically targeted at a particular type of equipment and a particular activity – that’s your computer screen and the way in which you use it!
So what should your Employer be considering when there is extended use of computer screens in the workplace? In broad terms, the following points should be considered by an Employer:
- The whole workstation – this includes all equipment, furniture and the general environment of the work place.
- The job which is actually being done – is it reasonable for you to be using a display screen for such long periods of time?
- Any special needs of the individual Employee’s
It is presumed that your Employer will consult effectively with you; the Employee, when carrying out assessment’s of your workstation but this is not an express requirement of the above Regulations.
If your work space and display screen has been assessed by your Employer and they have identified a number of risks then they are under a duty to eliminate/reduce the risks identified.
Your Employer is under a strict duty to:
- Assess and reduce any such risks
- Ensure your work station meets the minimum requirements
- Plan your workload so there are breaks or changes of activity to give you a break from looking at your screen for too long – this particular obligation is strict and the courts will be highly critical of any Employer’s whom have left their Employee’s to devise their own safe working practices – written advise from your Employer is NOT sufficient!
- Arrange eye tests for Employee’s if requested and if special spectacles are required in order for you to carry on with your work then these should also be provided
- Provide the necessary health and safety training/information – this should be provided prior to you using the equipment and thus being exposed to the potential risks
You need to remember that it is not just your display screen which your Employer is under a duty to asses but the WHOLE of your workstation including the furniture and surrounding environment; this could therefore include lighting, noise levels etc. If your Employer fails to do anything to correct the risk then they will be in breach of their duty to you, the Employee, and you would be able to claim for any resulting work injury!
