The amended regulations concerning safety and hygiene at workstations equipped with computer monitors came into effect in the second half of November 2023. The change was certainly welcomed, as the previous regulations had been in force for over 20 years. Fortunately, the new rules represent a rather sensible evolution of occupational health and safety principles.
Employers have a six-month period to comply with the new regulations. However, an exception applies to new workstations created after November 17, 2023, where the new regulations will apply from the outset. These new regulations apply to both office-based workstations and those used by remote workers.
Workstation Equipment
The new regulations stipulate that the basic equipment for a workstation includes not only a monitor but also a keyboard and a mouse. The monitor should be positioned ergonomically, primarily ensuring that the top edge of the monitor is at the eye level of the employee. It is required that the keyboard and mouse are separate elements of the workstation. Upon request by the employee, the employer is obliged to provide a footrest as well. Additionally, a new requirement regarding chairs has been introduced, specifying that they should allow for armrest adjustment.
The above-mentioned requirements also apply when an employee works on a laptop for at least half of their daily working time. The use of a stand to adjust the screen’s height is permissible. It is up to the employer to decide whether to meet the occupational health and safety requirements by equipping the workstation with an external monitor or by using a laptop stand.
Glasses and Contact Lenses
The amendment to the regulation explicitly added the possibility of financing the purchase of contact lenses for an employee, as an alternative to prescription glasses. The principles of financing the purchase of glasses or contact lenses by the employer remain unchanged, providing substantial freedom for employers in this regard.
Remote Work
The new regulations impact remote workstations as well. Employers should primarily ensure that there are no updates required for documentation on remote work procedures, especially concerning health and safety. In most cases, there will be no need to change the remote work regulations. However, it may be necessary to inform remote employees about the new standards and obtain confirmation from them that their remote place of work meets these requirements. If internal regulations for remote work do not state otherwise, the employer will not be obliged to provide equipment required to meet the new occupational health and safety standards. In practice, employers often cater to the needs of employees and provide such equipment. It is worth noting that if employees use their own equipment, they should receive compensation for it.
