Vision Care
Otago Polytechnic Limited is committed to minimising preventable eye fatigue and impact/hazardous substance/radiation injuries to eyes by providing a safe and healthy work environment through systematic hazard controls including elimination and minimisation.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015all subsequent amendments and regulations AS/NZ
Standards 1336, 1337, and 1338 for industrial eye protection
Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) Guidelines for using computers – preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury
1. All Otago Polytechnic Limited staff members must complete the Computer Safety Training module via Moodle every three (3) years.
2. Staff members who experience difficulties in the setup of their workstation after completing the online module can request assistance from:
2.1. Another staff member in their area.
2.2. Their Health and Safety Representative.
2.3. From Health and Safety, through a request for a formal workstation assessment via service@op.ac.nz which may include an assessment of lighting levels and/or an ergonomic review of work methods, and/or a discussion about any potential vision issues.
Please note: Degeneration of eye-sight due to age or a diagnosed medical condition is not covered by this policy.
3. If prescription glasses are required, or Ultra-violet (UV) protection is required for staff members working outside for more than one (1) hour per day then reimbursement up to $150* may be available. Claims are limited to one (1) every four (4) years. (Refer to People Culture and Safety Health and Safety How We Can help / Vision Care).
4. In addition, staff members who work in a workshop, radiation, biological, or chemical hazard areas, with the potential for impact, damage, or injuries to eyes are entitled to reimbursement up to $500* for prescription safety glasses. Claims are limited to one (1) every three (3) years. (Refer to People Culture and Safety Health and Safety How We Can help / Vision Care).
5. Safety glasses are provided to all staff members as part of the requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and shall be worn when working in high-risk areas and with high-risk materials, e.g., biological material.
* For information on how to request a subsidised vision test or reimbursement for prescription eyewear refer to Otago Polytechnic Limited intranet (Tūhono) People Culture and Safety Health and Safety How We Can help / Vision Care
- Staff members will regularly review eye hazard management. The focus is on eliminating or minimising the hazards.
6.1 Where elimination and minimisation measures are not practical, and where high impact work is occurring that may cause damage or injury to eyes, then approved eye protection such as safety glasses or over-glasses, which are rated specifically for high impact, must be worn by staff members, learners, visitors, and contractors at all times. Where protection of the face is required, a face shield will be worn over the safety glasses.
6.2 Staff members who need to wear prescription lenses in a hazardous work area are required to wear approved safety over-glasses or wear prescription lenses and frames which meet AS/NZ Standard 1337.6. Where protection of the face is required, a face shield will be worn over the safety glasses.
Otago Polytechnic Limited intranet (Tūhono) People Culture and Safety Health and Safety How We Can help / Vision Care
Otago Polytechnic Limited intranet (Tūhono) People Culture and Safety Health and Safety How We Can help / Computer Health and Safety
Health and Safety Protective Clothing and Equipment Policy
Occupational Health and Safety – Commitments and Responsibilities Policy
Staff with Disabilities Policy
Approved by:
Dr. Megan Gibbons
Chief Executive
28/07/2022
Policy Version V5.01: Previously Coded: MP0409
