PPE & WORKWEAR
Clearly, it is one thing to know the importance of personal, professional fitting, but another to actually communicate it to employees. By choosing frames in-store and having them expertly fitted by an optometrist, they can be adjusted to ensure fit, comfort and alignment. What is often offered as standard in-store is lost to organisations that order safety frames online or from a catalogue.
DRIVER SAFETY The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 makes it clear that employers have a responsibility for their drivers. It “requires employers to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their activities when at work. This includes the time when they are driving or riding at work, whether this is in a company or hired vehicle, or in the employee’s own vehicle.”
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has been working hard on its own external communications, conveying the message that employers must take responsibility for their drivers. Encouragingly, 74% of the employers said they believed ensuring an employee has adequate eyesight for driving is part of their duty of care as an employer.
However, 8% of employers believed they have no duty of care whatsoever when it comes to employees who drive for work purposes. If this is in any way representative of the number of employees across the UK, it is a significant and concerning figure.
Perhaps most worryingly, this leaves over a quarter (26%) who still do not believe it is their responsibility to check their employees can see clearly to drive. Evidently, there is still work to be done from a communication perspective.
OPTICAL CARE While DSE, safety and driver eyecare are all statutory, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare also offers an Optical Care eVoucher. Optical Care is the term Specsavers gives to a level of eyecare that goes beyond the statutory requirements. It offers benefits over and above an employer simply meeting its duty of care.
34 duties of care are met.
Employee handbooks and induction packs are a good place to provide details of employee entitlement. Simple options like posters in staff kitchens and on notice boards can also be very effective. Specsavers has a range of eye-catching posters available to download for free from its website. These convey strong messages, covering each of the areas of workplace eyecare. FAQs on the staff intranet, or a link to further information, help to make details accessible to everyone.
Even the way eyecare is distributed can help with take-up and appreciation. eVouchers are available specifically for each type of workplace eyecare. Not only do online management systems make the whole process virtually admin-free for the employer, they also mean that the voucher can be emailed directly to each individual employee. They need only to print the voucher, or even present it on their smartphone, to receive the relevant eyecare at any of the supplier’s local stores. No reimbursing, no surprise costs, no hassle.
“78% OF EMPLOYERS DISCLOSED THAT THEY WORRIED STAFF REMOVED SAFETY EYEWEAR
BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE.”
Optical Care is a great way for an employer to communicate the importance of eyecare. It shows that the employer is aware that eyecare is beneficial in itself and does not just have to be provided to fulfil regulations. Optical Care is a simple, low-cost employee benefit but is also effective and tangible.
COMMUNICATING EYECARE The first stage in communicating the value and benefits of eyecare is to create an Eyecare Policy. This is a particularly useful tool to ensure and demonstrate that all of an employer’s
Many companies hold eyecare events. These are like mini exhibitions held specifically to communicate to staff the importance and value of eyecare. These can be run with the help of a qualified optician, who can provide leaflets, handouts and information about eyecare and its wider benefits. They may also be able to provide vision screening on site, which is an effective tool to make employees aware of possible sight defects or deterioration.
Eyecare can be a simple, cost- effective and highly valued benefit, as well as a vital part of health, safety and wellbeing. This is only true, however, if it is not only provided, but also communicated and brought to life. From a simple poster to an eyecare event, forward-thinking employers will consider how they and their staff can benefit from making eyecare more visible.
www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate
www.tomorrowshs.com
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