Workplace health and safety advice needed

r192

ignore all sorted

dickydonkin

r192 wrote: »

Hi,

i am just looking for some advice regarding my currecnt situation at work.

3 weeks ago i moved desk and within a few hours i noticed i was getting headaches and could feel my eyes straining. I reported this to my boss and a health and safeth assesment was done the following week. The health and safety person said there was no adjustments needed and the screen which i feel is to close causing my eyes to strain is not adjustable anymore and within the legal limit. Between reporting this in the first instance and having the health and safety inspection i had 2 days off which included a letter from the doctor detailing i was gettig these problems due to me straining my eyes in my new desk set up. After the health and safety check was done i still experienced the same issue migranes/eye strain which i have never suffered from before. I went back to the doctors who advised an eye test which i had and was told no further action was required. I informed my work place of this and no action was taken. Again i went to the doctors for a 3rd time who gave me a fit note saying i was fit for when providing any suitable changes to my working arrangements were made and sent another copy of the previous letter. This was given to my boss and health and safety adviser again no action was taken each time getting the response the desk and screen was all within the legal limits. The following day i came in nd within a hour i noticed a throbbing pain in one eye and i looked in the mirror and had a red blob in my eye. I left work and went back to the doctors who advised it was a burst blood vessel in my eye due to the strain in was going through. I explained this to my boss who kept saying it was not the seating arrangements and more than likely a underlying problem cancer/tumour etc

I had been sat at my previous desk for 12 months with not a single problem it was a diferent shaped desk which allowed me to move the screens further back away from me and have at a different angle, the desk i am now on doesnt allow much movement.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as i feel i am stuck now as i have just been told the workplace health and safety advisors have told my boss no further action is required.

Where do i stand legally on this?

Thanks

James

So your boss has come to the conclusion that it may 'more than likely be an underlying prolem such as a cancer/tumour'?

Unbelievable - I despair at times - I really do.

It is difficult to ascertain what the problem is and it may be coincidence that your condition has commenced at the same time you relocated, however, you really need to see an eye specialist to determine what the problem is or what is causing it.

Certainly a display unit and lighting (particularly flourescent and glare) can cause eye strain and headaches, but generally that would not cause a visible problem you describe - although I wonder if you are constantly rubbing your eyes because of the strain which could cause an abrasion or irritation to your eyeball.

Without seeing your workstation, then it is also difficult to determine if there is a problem.

However, if your Health and Safety Advisor (who I assume is an qualified Advisor - not a HR bod who has been given the poisoned chalice of managing the health and safety in your workplace) has given the all clear on your workstation, I would urge you to see an eye specialist and get this matter resolved as this situation is no good for you or indeed your employer.

dickydonkin

r192 wrote: »

ignore all sorted

So your eye has miraculously healed?

Sambucus_Nigra

r192 wrote: »

ignore all sorted

Wow. that was quick. I knew Dicky was good, but not that good.

Errata

What on earth is 'eye strain'.

dacouch

Errata wrote: »

What on earth is 'eye strain'.

It's a new patented plague from apple

dickydonkin

Errata wrote: »

What on earth is 'eye strain'.

This might help.

With me, it is flourescent lights and glare that often gives me a headache and eyestrain when using a computer.

Prolonged use of a VDU/DSE can and does affect people in different ways, but for most people, the problems are related to the ergonomics of your workstation - all of which are covered in the DSE (Display Screen Equipment) regs - which don't just apply to the display unit alone.

Don't forget that a DSE 'user' should be entitled to an eye test and glasses paid for by the employer for DSE use - but don't ask for a pair of Gucci or Prada frames!

Many associate bad backs and upper limb disorders with manual handling injuries, but poor seating and posture can also cause a lot of pain and shouldn't be underestimated.