Is my employer breaking EU regulations ?

Kentuniversity

I have started a new job, which means that I am having to continually work in front of a PC & monitor.

I work 7.5 hrs shifts and am only entitled to one 0.5hr break for food during the shift. We have been told that we can't take any other breaks during the shift.

However, I thought there were EU regulations with regards working in front of a PC/monitor, which means that the employer should be giving us regular 5mins breaks each hour away from the PC. I know that there are EU rules with regards the employer giving free eye tests and ensuring the working environment if fit-for-purpose, which my employer will do.

Can someone please confirm whether we are entitled to regular breaks each hour under EU regs.

If we are, how should I advise my employer ? Should I speak to HR or my my manager ?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

jobbingmusician

Nice idea - a break of 5 mins every hour :rotfl:

The regs about computer working are here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSafetyAtWork/DG_10026668 You can do a lot to manage your OWN health by looking away from the screen for 5 mins in every hour - take 5 mins to pop to the loo, sort the hard data you are working from, etc. There is no need to stop working, just to focus your eyes on something which isn't a computer screen!

If it's any consolation, I normally spend 14 hours a day in front of a screen, have done so for at least 10 years, and still don't wear glasses.

PasturesNew

It's not breaks you have to have, it's other work away from the monitor. So, if the job is staring intently at the screen .... you need to do other work. If the job also involves flicking through paperwork/getting files, etc, then that is 'away from the monitor' and so legal.

dickydonkin

All of this stuff is guidance - not set in stone, although following guidance on the DSE regs should keep your employer within the law.

C_Mababejive

Do you sit on a commode?

arthurdick

(If it's any consolation, I normally spend 14 hours a day in front of a screen, have done so for at least 10 years, and still don't wear glasses.)

ha, that made me laugh, and i really aint taking the jimmy. i got an image of you working 14 hours each day in front of the monitor, avg 8 hours kip, leaves 2 hours, travel to and from work..it doesn't leave any time to see if you need to wear glasses.......as i said, i am not taking the jimmy, honest, it was just the first image in my head..

jobbingmusician

LOLOL - please note I am here now, and in front of a monitor. (And I am still in bed....:D) I worked until 2am in front of the downstairs computer

arthurdick

haha, i think i can no longer burn the candle from any end. good luck to you...oh well, back to work now

ohreally

The TUC recommends a 15-minute break away from the equipment after 45 minutes’ work

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/displayscreenequipment.cfm

Notmyrealname

Kentuniversity wrote: »

However, I thought there were EU regulations with regards working in front of a PC/monitor, which means that the employer should be giving us regular 5mins breaks each hour away from the PC.

No such thing exists in UK employment law. There is advice to employers to allow a break however it is not legally binding.

Kentuniversity

Thanks for the helpful replies, which have given me some ideas on how to take a break from my monitor at regular intervals.