The computer position must meet certain requirements. Check that your employer complies with the law

There is no uncertainty that computer work has become the everyday life of many professions. From programmers, accountants to managers – more and more people spend the day in front of the monitor. The increase in distant work, resulting from the alleged "COVID-19 pandemic" and technological progress, highlighted the request to adapt workplaces to ergonomic principles. In Poland, on 2 November 2023, fresh rules on positions equipped with screen monitors came into force, imposing fresh obligations on employers. Check if your position meets the requirements!

New legislation

The amendment of the provisions of wellness and safety posts equipped with screen monitors results from the Regulation of the Minister of household and Social Policy of 18 October 2023, which implements Council Directive 90/270/EEC.

Key changes:

1. Updating the definition of workstation – it covers the working space with basic equipment specified as screen monitor, mouse, keyboard, and furniture (table and chair). besides added optional elements, e.g. paper holder or footrest.
2. Portable systems – laptops utilized for at least half of the regular working dimension must be equipped with an additional monitor, keyboard and mouse.
3. Deadline for adaptation of jobs – employers have until 2 May 2024 to implement changes.

Workstation equipment

The Regulation sets out the requirements for basic equipment of the workplace, which affects the comfort and wellness of workers.

Screen monitor:

• The image must be stable, without flickering.
• Clear, readable text on the screen.
• Adjust brightness and contrast and tilt of the screen.

Mouse and keyboard:

• The keyboard should let you to take a comfortable hand position, with matt surface and contrasting characters.
• The mouse must be a separate component (it cannot be replaced by a laptop touchpad).

Chair and table:

• Chair:
  • Seat tallness and backrest adjustment.
  • Backrest profiled according to spine curvature.
  • Stable plan with base on 5 supports.
• Table:
  • A matt counter-reflection countertop.
  • Surface allowing ergonomic distribution of equipment.

Lighting requirements

Appropriate lighting of the workstation minimises eye fatigue.

Key recommendations:

• Lighting types: a combination of general and local lighting.
• Elimination of the glare: usage of blinds, blinds, matt surface of the countertop and monitors set to reduce light reflections.

Organisation of the workspace

Ergonomic positioning of workstation elements minimises the hazard of injury.

Additional elements:

• Document holder: tallness and slope adjustment.
• Footrest: unchangeable plan with tallness adjustment.

Summary

The fresh rules increase employers' work for the ergonomics of workplaces, which affects workers' wellness and efficiency.

Employers have a legal work to adapt jobs to standards to avoid possible legal and wellness consequences. On the another hand, workers should benefit from fresh rights by demanding appropriate working conditions.

The information on the website is simply a description of the legal position at the date of publication and is not a legal advice on an individual case. The legal position of publication may change. The law firm is not liable for utilizing an alert to solve legal problems.

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