Unless i am misreading this - this seems to be a software issue. most modern interfaces will allow for different fonts and font sizes enough to suit most users. Or is there more to this?

I.T. informs me that its an issue with the interface between the printer software and the printer itself as it shows on her screen as large font, but prints 2 sizes smaller.
By changing the printer we have solved the problem, but for my own peace of mind i was wondering what legislation this came under, and i came up with PUWER rather than DSE.
I'm working on the basis that whilst its not strictly a PUWER issue, given that the problem is with the printed document not being able to be read properly, Regulation 4 of PUWER-Suitability of Work Equipment is the reason this issue has occured.

The other issue is that if you have the printer set to "fit to page" it will auto adjust to do just that, regardless of the original font size.

I'm guessing when you looked at it you agreed that it would cause eye strain and arranged for the printer change, otherwise I'm sure you would have suggested glasses. So why worry about legislation.

Is there such a medical condition as 'eye strain'? Not at all sure about this but there is poor eyesight, poor lighting conditions (making it difficult to read print), high contrast lighting, glare causing difficulties. People may squint in bright sunlight and the pupil will open out in the dark or dim lighting but actual eye strain? If people cannot read small print then either the print is really too small to read or the old eyes have a problem. Please advise.

Somwhere in the DSE regs, can't remember off hand, it states that the software has to be suitable, with training in that software, (not sure of the exact wording without looking it up) therefore this might well apply here.

Ok fair enough so how about :-

HASAWA 1974
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular—

(a)the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;

Then

MHSW regulations 1999
Risk assessment
3.—(1) Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of—
(a)the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work;

And from

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs...eProblems/GeneralEyeCare

They say

Eye strain – this is when your eye muscles are strained from being overused. This commonly occurs after reading, working on a computer screen or watching TV for a long time. You may have sore, itchy eyes and a headache.

And good old Wikipedia indicate the proper name for the condition is Asthenopia (aesthenopia)

So it is a known issue and by changing the printer you have satisfied the above.

I was not sure about this either, hence I looked it up on the internet and there seemed to be plenty of evidence to suggest this is not just a figment of someone’s imagination. I only selected the NHS link as to show a credible organisation, there were plenty of others that included the reference to reading small text. Ie

noun
fatigue or irritation of the eyes, resulting from excessive use, as from prolonged reading of small print, or uncorrected defects of vision

From http://www.collinsdictio...ionary/english/eyestrain

As I noted in an earlier post I’m sure that the OP checked that the person was ok with other normal sized text, so no need for the employee get / change their glasses.

To be clear I’m not suggesting you would actually do a formal written risk assessment. Likely scenario would be employee complains; you agree text is small and realize you need to do something (mental assessment) not just issue with eye sight. You get IT to look at problem; they can’t sort it so a new printer is purchased and provides a safe system of work, meeting the requirements of HASAWA. Most of this if any would not enter your head you would just get the problem sorted, again hence my comment at #6.

However as Mr Flibble pointed out no one had actually answered the OP’s question, so I thought I would have a go. I can also see his thoughts on PUWER, which also comes from HASAWA. Anyone else care to have a go ? and give us their thoughts.

You could I guess decide not real problem, if they have a head ache they should buy themselves some paracetamol.