Employees who spend a lot of time in front of a computer every day run risks, such as eye problems and physical strain. Dutch legislation sets specific rules to limit these risks and to hold employers responsible for the health of their employees while working at a computer. These rules are set out in the Working Conditions Act (Working Conditions Act) and it Working conditions decision.

Let's take a close look at what the Working Conditions Act says about screen work and computer glasses, and how employers should deal with this.

Rules under the Working Conditions Act (Working Conditions Decree article 5.11)

The Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree contain a number of important rules for employees who often work behind a screen. Article 5.11 of the Working Conditions Decree specifically addresses the obligations of employers with regard to screen work. Here are a few crucial points (source: wetten.overheid.nl):

1. Eye exam
   Employees who work intensively on the screen are entitled to an eye exam prior to performing this work. An examination can also be repeated when complaints such as reduced vision, eye fatigue or headache occur. This serves to identify and prevent possible health risks early.
2. Reimbursement of computer glasses
   If the eye exam shows that special eye correction devices such as computer glasses are required, the employer is obliged to provide them. This applies if regular corrective tools, such as reading glasses, are not sufficient to perform the work.
3. Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E)
   Employers are obliged to include the risks of working at a computer in the RI&E. It identifies the possible dangers of physical strain and eye problems. Employers must take measures to limit these risks, such as offering computer glasses or providing ergonomic furniture and sufficient breaks.
4. Breaks while working at a computer
   After every two hours of screen work, employees are entitled to a break or the opportunity to do other work. This helps to reduce both eye problems and physical problems such as neck and back problems (source: Arboportaal.nl).

When does an employer have to reimburse computer glasses?

Computer glasses may be necessary if regular glasses, such as reading glasses, are not sufficient for working on the screen. The law states that an employer must reimburse the purchase of computer glasses in the following cases:

• Reading glasses are not enough
  If reading glasses are not sufficient for working on the screen, computer glasses should be provided.
• More than two hours of screen work per day
  Employees who work at a computer for an average of more than two hours a day and who require special glasses are entitled to reimbursed computer glasses.

Also read: What should an employer reimburse?

The obligation only applies if the eye examination shows that computer glasses are necessary to carry out the work. This allowance falls under the working conditions legislation and is not dependent on a collective agreement or other agreements.

Employer obligations under the Working Conditions Act

The Working Conditions Act sets clear guidelines to protect workers' health. This means that employers are not only responsible for offering the right facilities, such as computer glasses, but also for structurally organizing the workplaces. The most important responsibilities are:

• Prevent health risks
  The employer must ensure a safe and healthy work environment. This includes performing regular health checks and providing the right tools, such as computer glasses.
• Facilitate eye exams
  Employees should be able to have a preventive eye exam, especially when working at a computer for a long time.
• Reimbursement of aids
  If the eye exam indicates that an employee needs computer glasses, the employer is obliged to reimburse them. This also applies if the employee already uses standard glasses but still experiences complaints while working at a computer.

Why is good information about working on a screen important?

In addition to the obligation to reimburse computer glasses, employers must also provide good information. It is important that employees are informed about the risks of working at a computer for a long time and that they are encouraged to have an eye exam carried out in time. Information about the importance of breaks, a good working posture and an ergonomic workplace can prevent many complaints.

What measures can employers take to improve visual support and ergonomics?

In addition to offering computer glasses, employers can take various measures to make the work environment comfortable and ergonomically responsible. Some examples include:

• Adjustable monitors: Adjustable displays can help reduce eye and neck problems. This allows the employee to adjust the height and angle of the screen for a better working position.
• Ergonomic chairs and desks: Ergonomic furniture improves posture and reduces physical strain while working, which is especially important when working at a computer for a long time.
• illuminating: Good workplace lighting is essential to prevent eye fatigue and headaches. Employers must provide sufficient natural light or lighting designed specifically for office environments.

The Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree provide clear guidelines for employers and employees when it comes to computer work. Employers are required to provide eye exams and, if necessary, to reimburse the cost of computer glasses. By means of a properly executed RI&E, risks can be identified and measures taken to protect workers' health. In addition, there are clear rules about breaks during screen work and reimbursing assistive devices.

Want to know more about the exact provisions of the Working Conditions Act? Check out the full article here.

Frequently asked questions about the Working Conditions Act and computer glasses

When is there a right to computer glasses under the Working Conditions Act?

An employee is entitled to computer glasses if an eye exam shows that regular glasses are not sufficient for screen work. This examination should take place before intensive computer work begins or when symptoms such as eye fatigue or headache occur.

Does the employer have to reimburse the cost of computer glasses?

Yes, if an eye exam shows that special glasses are required for screen work, the employer is obliged to reimburse the cost of these glasses, provided that the employee works in front of a monitor for more than two hours a day.

How often should an eye exam be offered?

Employers must offer an eye exam before intensive screen work starts. In addition, an examination should be offered again if complaints related to vision occur while working.

What are the employer's obligations besides offering computer glasses?

In addition to offering computer glasses, the employer is obliged to organize the workplace ergonomically. This includes providing information about a good posture at work, the importance of breaks and avoiding eye and physical complaints due to long-term work on the screen.

Can the employer decide which glasses are provided or where they are purchased?

Yes, the employer can decide where the computer glasses are purchased and up to what amount they are reimbursed. Many companies have agreements with specific opticians, such as Hans Anders, where the glasses can be ordered. However, the employer must always provide an appropriate solution. This means that the glasses provided must meet the specific needs of the employee.

According to the Working Conditions Decision (Article 8.1) personal protective equipment, such as computer glasses, must meet the following criteria: they must be appropriate for the risks to which the worker is exposed and tailored to the employee's individual circumstances. For example, if progressive lenses are required, the employer must reimburse this correction (source: wetten.overheid.nl).

What should be done in case of complaints due to work on the screen?

If symptoms occur, such as tired eyes, blurred vision or headache, a new eye exam can be requested. Based on the results, it may be necessary to provide appropriate glasses.

How often are you entitled to a new pair of computer glasses?

The Working Conditions Act does not set a fixed frequency for replacing computer glasses. However, if eye strength changes or if there are complaints during work, you may be entitled to a new pair of glasses. This will be determined on the basis of a new eye examination.

What other measures should an employer take to keep the workplace healthy?

In addition to offering computer glasses, the employer must provide an ergonomically designed workplace. This can mean, among other things, that an adjustable monitor is available, ergonomic furniture is used and good lighting is available.