Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, Employers are obliged to provide regular eyesight tests for employees who use VDUs.
Interestingly though, at present there is no obligation on employers to provide eyesight tests for employees who drive as part of their job.
By contrast, employers do have health and safety obligations and are required to manage risks in the workplace. So whilst there is no requirement to provide eyesight tests for employees who drive, employers may consider making it a requirement that employees warrant that their eyesight is up to standard or make arrangements for testing.
Drivers are currently required to pass a mandatory sight test during their driving test (reading a number plate from 20 meters) but are not then subject to further checks (drivers suffering from a medical condition which affects their ability to drive are required to inform DVLA).
An EU directive which is due to be implemented by January 2013, will place an obligation on drivers of medium and large buses and lorries (commercial drivers) to renew their licences and demonstrate continuing medical fitness every five years. It is assumed that demonstrating 'continued medical fitness' will incorporate confirmation that drivers' eyesight is up to standard for driving.
For now, employers should consider to what extent their staff drive in the course of employment. Most employees use their own vehicles at some point even if only infrequently, for example: driving to attend a course, visiting a client or collecting stock/supplies. Employers should have a vehicle use policy which amongst other requirements, specifies that employees must warrant and demonstrate that their eyesight is of sufficient standard and has been tested and remember to document in writing what checks you do. Eyesight can deteriorate as a result of health issues and just due to the passage of time.
Published - February 2010
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