I Can See Clearly Now The Pain Has Gone - By: Harrison Duncan

According to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, every employee must have “adequate health and safety training in the use of any workstation upon which he may be required to work”. It also outlines the responsibilities employers have as regards the provision of eye tests and corrective measures.

Contrary to popular belief there is no link between use of a computer and poor eyesight - the evidence just isn't there. The misunderstanding may arise from the fact that spending so much time focusing on words, images, etc can raise awareness of pre-existing eye conditions. Dry eyes and eyestrain leading to headaches are relatively common problems for habitual computer users.

Poor lighting can also lead to eyestrain and headaches. Improperly low lighting and excessive glare can both cause problems, as your eyes struggle to compensate. Lighting should be appropriate for all tasks - for example reading the screen, typing, writing on paper and reading printed text. There should never be any bright, unshielded light directly in the eyes. An ideal position for the screen is at a right angle to the light. Making sure your screen is properly adjusted is a quick but important way to save you eyestrain and headaches.

The image should be focused and properly contrasted; an irregular colour balance can cause as many problems as a constant flicker. Eyestrain arises from your eye muscles becoming tired as they struggle to maintain the same position for extended periods. Just like any other muscles, those in your eyes can be strengthened and kept healthy through regular exercise. Every 20 minutes, focus on a distant object for 20 seconds. This shift of focus will give the muscles a chance to relax. It also helps to keep your blink rate up; this can drop if you are focusing a single, near point for extended period and leads to dry eye.

Employers have a basic responsibility to ensure eyes are cared for, so any concerns about eyesight should be addressed to them immediately As with so many piece sof workplace equipment, it's seldom computers themselves which are the cause of illness or injury; its improper handling. It’s really important that every person who uses a computer on a regular basis has good DSE training and does a DSE Assessment on their own workstation, looking at how they use it - a properly carried out assessment can highlight potential problems and help to avoid creating or building up health problems for the future.

About the Author

If you want to organise interactive Display Screen Equipment training for your workplace, visit the website of The Interactive Health and Safety Company (iHASCO). They are the UK'S fastest growing provider of health and safety training.

For more information about Display Screen Equipment Assessment Courses, visit: http://www.ihasco.co.uk

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Harrison-Duncan/207995

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