Arbo-Decree

The Arbo-decree is a detailing of the Dutch Health & Safety at Work legislation (Arbeidsomstandighedenwetgeving). Below are the articles from the decree that are relevant to the Law and rules concerning RSI.

SECTION 2 – WORKING WITH MONITORS 

Article 5.7 Definitions
In this section and for this purpose:

1. Monitor/visual display unit: is an alphanumeric or graphic screen regardless of the display process used.
2. Monitor workstation: is an assembly comprising of display unit equipment on occasion with a keyboard or input device and /or operator / machine interface software, optional accessories, peripherals, telephone, modem, printer, document holder, chair, desk or work surface and the immediate working environment.

Article 5.8 Relevance

1. This section does not apply to:

1. operating stations on a machine;
2. computer systems that are mainly intended for public use;
3. so called portable systems that are not in prolonged use at any one workplace;
4. calculators, cash registers and other equipment with a small data or measurement display required for the direct use of said equipment;
5. conventional typewriters with a display.

2. Furthermore, this section does not apply to work where an employee usually spends less than two hours a day using a monitor/VDU.

Article 5.9 Risk assessment and evaluation

1. The risk assessment and evaluation, referred to in Article 5 of the Act, specifically addresses the risks to vision and the physical and psychological strain resulting from working with a monitor/VDU.
2. Based on the results of the first section in the risk assessment and evaluation, effective measures are put in place in order to overcome the hazards, taking into account the impact of each hazard and the interdependence between them.

Article 5.10 Work schedule
The work on a monitor/VDU should be organized that after no more than two consecutive hours it is interspersed with other types of work or by a rest period, so that the physical strain arising from working at a monitor/VDU is alleviated.

Article 5.11 Measures relating to the protection of the eyes and eyesight of employees

1. Every employee who for the first time is tasked with working on a monitor/VDU is given, in addition to Article 18 of the Act, the opportunity to undergo an appropriate eye and eyesight examination before the start of the work and periodically thereafter.
2. The employee is again given the opportunity to undergo an examination referred to in the first paragraph, when he/she experiences visual disturbances which may have been the result of working with a monitor/VDU.
3. If the results of the investigation referred to in the first and second paragraph, so require, the employee concerned has the opportunity to undergo an ophthalmic examination.
4. If the results of the examination referred to in the first three paragraphs, require other than normal vision correctors and if normal corrective measures for the eye cannot be used, then the employee will be supplied with specific vision correctors relevant to specific work.

Article 5.12 Regulations for the set-up of monitor/VDU workstations
Notwithstanding Article 5.4, in the case of ministerial decree, more rules are made with regard to the monitor/VDU workstation and the interaction between the equipment used and the employees.

Section 3: SPECIAL SECTORS AND SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYEES

Transport

Article 5.13 Relevance

Section 2 of this chapter is not relevant to:

1. Operating stations on a vehicle on a public road or railway
2. Computer systems in an aircraft, ship or barge or on a vehicle on a public road or railway.

People who Work From Home

Article 5.14 Relevance

For working from home, sections 1 and 2 from this chapter are correspondingly relevant.

Article 5.15 Workplace

If the person who is working at from home has already made of his/her own initiative, a work station as in Articles 5.4 and 5.12, one does not have to be provided.

Occupational regulation

CHAPTER 5 MONITOR/VDU WORK

Article 5.1 Equipment and furniture

Equipment and furniture used when operating a monitor/VDU, should meet the following requirements:

1. the characters on the monitor/VDU are clearly defined in shape and size with sufficient space between the characters and between the lines;
2. the image on the monitor/VDU is stabile;
3. the luminance of or the contrast between the symbols and the background can easily  be adjusted by the user.
4. the monitor/VDU screen is freely positionable and easy to swivel and tilt;
5. the monitor/ VDU screen is free from glare and reflection for the user;
6. the keyboard can be inclined and is a separate entity to the monitor/VDU;
7. there is enough space around the keyboard for the user’s hands and arms;
8. the keyboard has a matt surface;
9. the division of the keyboard and the shape of the keys are designed for ease of use;
10. the symbols on the keys are of sufficient contrast, that they are readable from a normal working position;
11. the table or work surface allows the user to have a comfortable posture, has a non reflective surface, is large enough to allow flexible positioning of the monitor, keyboard , documents and accessories;
12. a document holder, where necessary for the work, is stable, adjustable and placed in such a position so as to minimize uncomfortable head and eye movements;
13. the work chair is stable, has adjustable height setting and a back support adjustable in height and inclination, giving the user freedom of movement and a comfortable working position;
14. if the user should so wish, a foot support can be used.

Article 5.2 Design of the monitor/VDU workstation
The environment in which the work is carried out and the set-up of the monitor/VDU workstation should at least satisfy the following regulations:

1. the lighting of the workspace of the monitor/VDU workstation should be sufficient and provide a contrast between the screen and the surroundings, considering the nature of the work and the visual requirements of the user;
2. possible direct blinding and troublesome reflections on the screen or the equipment are avoided;
3. no direct glare reflections are on the screen due to windows, other openings, walls and equipment;
4. the windows have adjustable defences against brightness to reduce the intensity of the light falling on the work station;
5. the noise that the equipment produces does not cause disruption to thought or speech.
6. the equipment is not a troublesome heat source for the employees; the humidity is always sufficient.

Article 5.3 Software
The software that is used by the monitor/VDU work station should at least satisfy the following regulations:

1. the software is fitted to the task in hand;
2. the software is easy to use and matches the knowledge and experience level of the user;
3. without knowledge of the user no use shall be made of a  quantitative or qualitative control mechanism;
4. systems provide the user with information about their operation;
5. systems display information in a format and at a pace which is adjusted to the user;
6. during the processing or information by the user the principles of ergonomics must be applied.