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ctd167  
#1 Posted : 24 January 2013 13:48:53(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
ctd167


An employee who uses a printer at her work station has complained that the font size on printed documents is too small to read.
We have tried to adjust the print size without success and intend to replace the printer anyway but i'm curious, thinking about the legislation that applies here, and given this isnt a VDU so not covered by the DSE regs, does this situation just fall under PUWER?
bilbo  
#2 Posted : 24 January 2013 15:54:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bilbo

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?
Andy Ward  
#3 Posted : 24 January 2013 16:30:19(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Andy Ward

As Bilbo says this may be a software issue. Has the employee tried changing font sizes in their software packages?

I know if it is a dot matrix printer they are harder to change the settings on to increase the default size (yes some people still use them!). This may require an IT specialist to uprate it.

If the printer is part of her workstation and has to be used to complete her tasks on the DSE, then it may be argued that it is subject to DSE. If it is a networked printer this would be harder to argue as it is a shared resource.

The more successful route I would take would look at fit for purpose under PUWER as this would also have more commercial arguments to go with it (improve productivity, energy costs etc).

A final aspect I would consider would be the individual: DO they have a vision problem that is unidentified; or preexisting, which is being impacted by the font size? It may be that the font size is highlighting something that the individual is not consciously aware of (eyes needing a visit to an optician).
ctd167  
#4 Posted : 24 January 2013 16:46:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
ctd167

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.
Kim Hedges  
#5 Posted : 24 January 2013 17:06:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kim Hedges

Back in 2004, the RNIB (the royal national institute for the blind) suggested a font size of 14 be best practice.

Most letters have been size 12, but many people who wear glasses still find this produces eye strain after a few hours, hence why size 14 is the preferred option.

Incidentally, on web pages, there is a short cut to increase most web size layouts, simply by pressing CTRL and scrolling your mouse.

chris42  
#6 Posted : 24 January 2013 17:21:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

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.

Canopener  
#7 Posted : 24 January 2013 18:53:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener

I can't help but feel the same as Chris. I am curious why you appear to be 'preoccupied' with what legislation (might) apply. I would concentrate my efforts on resolving the problem.
Zimmy  
#8 Posted : 24 January 2013 19:27:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Zimmy

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.
Ron Hunter  
#9 Posted : 24 January 2013 23:47:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

There are any amount of low-tech and higher tech pieces of kit to make printed documents easier to read.
Have a google for (e.g.) bar magnifier, roller magnifier, hand-held video magnifier, etc.
What you'll need will depend on the task, but there's a solution out there for as little as £40.
Don't give a hoot about "what legislation applies".
Problem solve.
Cerith  
#10 Posted : 25 January 2013 11:04:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Cerith

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.
Mr.Flibble  
#11 Posted : 25 January 2013 11:43:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Mr.Flibble

Do people actually read what people post!?

Quote: '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'

Rant Over!
chris42  
#12 Posted : 25 January 2013 12:13:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

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.
Zimmy  
#13 Posted : 25 January 2013 16:15:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Zimmy

So following the logic above, If I keep my eyes open all day then I'm in danger of getting eye strain? Or is it just the heavy flashing contrast of dark and light from the TV inducing the head pains, the trying to read when the ambient light is insufficient? I think a strain on the muscles is pushing it a bit far. I shall consult my doctor on this one I think. Not sure when I last over used my eyes. Perhaps when I put the large eyelashes on ....?

Rob
chris42  
#14 Posted : 27 January 2013 13:02:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

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.
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