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DSE user work placement - entitled to eyesight test and glasses?
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#1 Posted : 23 October 2007 12:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By Barry J
Does anyone know if there is a minimum length of time someone has to work before they are entitled to eye and eyesight tests / and spectacles provided by employers?

I know of someone who will be undergoing a short placement to a workplace of about 2-4 weeks and am unsure of the requirements.

Thanks, Barry
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#2 Posted : 23 October 2007 12:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Bannister
Hi Barry, in my 1992 version of the Guidance to the Regs this appears in para 51 on page 23: when a new employee requests a test, one must be arranged, before the employee becomes a user. (my paraphrasing)

Note the bit about "request" - no request, no test needed.

Practicalities and reasonableness come in here too. If abslolute accuracy is required in data reading/entry eg in process control screens then an eyetest may be an essential part of ensuring competency and safe working, regardless of the DSE Regs. For bogstandard wordprocessing there may be a large number of reasons why setting up an appointment for an eyetest may take some time...
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#3 Posted : 23 October 2007 13:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Barry J
Thanks David, but the person will be on a placement - he is not an employee of that workplace.
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#4 Posted : 23 October 2007 14:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Bannister
He is for H&S purposes.
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#5 Posted : 23 October 2007 15:00:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ali
The time element is useful, but not as simple as that. Check out the definition of "user" first by looking at page 10 of L26 Guidance on the Regs. You need to focus on dependency, control, training requirement, prolonged spells, daily use, job requirements and consequences of error.
Ali
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#6 Posted : 23 October 2007 15:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ali
...oh and don't forget that only employees can be classed as "users". The duty to provide eyesight test is fair & square on their own employers and this includes uers working at another employers workstation in which case their own employers need to provide the test not the "host" employer - Regs 5 - 6. Hope this is not confusing !
Ali
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#7 Posted : 23 October 2007 20:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By JWG
Why do they want the eye test so soon, do they have concerns?

If they have not started work yet and it is identified via the pre-employment health check that they have a problem with their eyes, why not make it a condition of them starting work there that they MUST have their eyes examined prior to starting work with you (so it is subject to satisfactory health clearance). In turn you are also making sure that they are fit to start work with you, which you are required to do, and it will be at no cost to you.

If it is work placement, doesn't the establishment placing that person there have to make sure that they are physically/mentally suitable, so if problems with eyes should be covered in their risk assessment.

Either way, I don't believe you should have to pay for the eye test for a work placement that will only be there for a very short duration.
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