I am updating an employee handbook for a client at the moment and have written a section called ‘your body at work’. This is a health and safety policy and covers items such as RSI, eyecare, the importance of breaks and manual handling.
As an employer of any size, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your employees are working in a physically and mentally safe and healthy environment.
Many employees use a computer and monitor (VDU / DSE). If you employ people who spend a significant amount of time using a monitor each day, you are obliged to ensure that they receive regular eyesight tests and if a prescription is required specifically for VDU use, you are obliged to pay for this.
The provision of eyecare to employees should be a documented HR policy and an efficient business process should exist to either reimburse employees through expenses or provide eyecare vouchers.
For assistance in understanding your legal obligations and ensuring your are operating within the law, contact us on 01923 504100 or visit us at www.dohr.co.uk
