Work Rights: Computer Use :Eyestrain, Migraines

[MsDulwich]

What would you do...if you had been suffering from Migraines and eyestrain for a 3 years at work which have been getting more and more regular. Then 6 months ago your work KINDLY fitted an anti glare screen for you.

However you recently noticed that your 'so called' anti glare screen is in fact a privacy screen which they have fitted by mistake. I'm angry as my eyes have been getting worse and now I realise why!!!!

[paragon]

Sorry if this sounds harsh - but i would have sorted it out a lot quicker than 2 1/2 years, would have spoken to HR, Facilities or whoever else to fix it. If that failed i would have bought one myself and expensed it or taken the hit.

I would have taken responsibility of my own health rather than letting my company do so.

[Ridgley]

Migraine is very complicated issue there are many things than can cause this diet, etc??. have you seen an optician that may help I used to suffer from this I changed my diet have regular eye and dental check up for me the migraine stopped as my doctor told me this is all connected worth a try.

Paragon I suffered margarine for years throughout my teens it not easy solution margarine affects people in different ways and if the compony can help great.

[paragon]

agreed completely. but if they don't then i would sort it out myself!

[Huguenot]

Your workplace is only required to meet a number of UK & European directives in terms of safe computer use.

If your company has met these requirements then you don't have much to negotiate on.

If you feel that your company hasn't met these requirements, the the first place you must complain is to your company.

Until you have done this, and given them the chance to respond and rectify the situation, you don't have much of a position.

If you feel they have not done this, are not responding, and are not helping to satisfy these requirements then you can either pursue it through your union, or independently.

Most companies are pretty up to scratch on these requirements, so do think very carefully before bringing a private case against them. As ridgley said, migraine and 'strain' are very very difficult to prove.

In particular, please note that there is currently no evidence to suggest computer use affects your eyes, and as such a case brought on this basis would almost definitely fail. The provision of spectacles for 'distance viewing' is considered best practice, not compulsory, and 'glare' doesn't feature at all.

[MsDulwich]

Thank you Ridgley for your sympathy and advice and thank you Huguenot for your knowledge, very welcome advice from both of you.