Health and safety when working with computersEmployer regulations

The law states that an employer must:

• provide tiltable screens
• provide anti-glare screen filters
• provide adjustable chairs
• provide foot supports
• make sure lighting is suitable
• make sure workstations are not cramped
• plan work at a computer so that there are frequent breaks
• pay for appropriate eye and eyesight tests by an optician

Note: These regulations do not apply to students in schools or colleges.

In order to provide the satisfactory equipment for their employees, employers use ergonomics to assist the equipment design process. It is the science concerned with designing safe and comfortable working environments for humans. This includes furniture design and the design of parts of the computer like the keyboard and mouse.