9 Jan 2018
New figures from Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare suggest there is a lack compliance among SMEs with the Health
and Safety Display Screen Equipment regulations. The research shows that 44% of
SMEs provide no eyecare at all to screen users, compared to 20% of larger
companies. Businesses with less than 10 employees are the least likely to
comply, with two-thirds (66%) providing screen users with no eyecare whatsoever.
New figures from Specsavers
Corporate Eyecare suggest there is a lack compliance among SMEs with the Health
and Safety Display Screen Equipment regulations. The research shows that 44% of
SMEs provide no eyecare at all to screen users, compared to 20% of larger
companies. Businesses with less than 10 employees are the least likely to
comply, with two-thirds (66%) providing screen users with no eyecare whatsoever.
In fact, just 10% of SMEs are
fully complying with the DSE regulations by providing both eye tests and
glasses. Although over a quarter (26%) of SMEs do provide eye tests for all
screen users, it is the provision of glasses that seems to be the sticking
point.
Jim Lythgow, director of strategic
alliances for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, explained: ‘Under health and safety
regulations, the employer must provide not only eye tests for all screen users
but also glasses, but only if they are required solely for DSE use. This is the
case regardless of the number of employees or the size of the company. The
rules are specific about DSE use and employers are not obliged to fund glasses
if screen users need them for everyday use as well.’
Drilling down further into the
figures, 13% of SMEs provide eye tests for some screen users, but not all, and
7% correctly provide both eye tests and glasses for DSE use but still fail
in that they only provide these for some
screen users. Added to the 26% providing eye tests only and the 10% actually
fully complying with the regulations, and a stronger 56% (over half of SMEs)
are at least providing some level of eyecare to screen users. This compares,
however, to 80% of larger companies. The research also shows that SME employers
on average class around 67% of their employees as screen users.
Jim Lythgow, continued: ‘The
good news is that there is an overall willingness among SMEs to provide eyecare
but this is not to the extent as required by law. We believe there are two
vital elements in increasing the number of employers complying with the DSE
regulations: the first is to ensure they are educated about the full
requirements of the legislation; the second is to make DSE eyecare as simple
and cost effective as possible to procure.’
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
has worked hard to raise the profile of the DSE eyecare. Its website includes a
knowledge bank for employers and useful tools, like downloadable posters, to
communicate benefits to employees. With simplicity being the key to eyecare
procurement, Specsavers has created an online eyecare management system, where
employers can purchase, distribute and manage eyecare eVouchers with just a few
clicks of a button.
The eVoucher system caters for
companies of all sizes as there is no contract, and no tie-in; employers can
make a one-off purchase of as few as just five eVouchers. It is also possible
for employers to use DSE eVouchers to allow the employee to upgrade, using the
eVoucher as a contribution towards higher priced glasses, or glasses that are
for everyday wear as well screen use.
To
view the online resources, find out more information, or purchase eyecare
eVouchers visit www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate
More
information on the Health and Safety (display screen equipment) Regulations can
be found at www.hse.gov.uk
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare
Website
T: 0115 933 0800
Cirrus House
10 Experian Way
NG2 1EP
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
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