Screen work as a check-up trigger

Part 4 of the Annex of the Ordinance on Occupational Health Care (ArbMedVV) names work at display screen equipment as a trigger for an offered check-up. It must be offered before the activity starts and again after twelve months at the latest under AMR 2.1 (occupational medicine rule), then at least every 36 months. Taking part is voluntary. The offer must be documented. The check-up serves advice and prevention. It is not proof of fitness for office work.

Examination of the eyes and vision

The offered check-up includes an offer of an appropriate examination of the eyes and vision. If the check-up shows that an examination by an eye specialist is necessary, it must be made possible. AMR 14.1 sets out which examinations are appropriate. Employees receive the result in a consultation. The employer receives the check-up certificate.

Special vision aids

Under the Annex, the employer must provide employees with special vision aids for their work at display screen equipment, to the extent needed, if the offered check-up shows that special vision aids are necessary and normal vision aids are not suitable. A special vision aid is one that is matched to the distances at a screen workstation. Everyday glasses are not. The check-up establishes whether it is necessary, not an optician's cost estimate.

Ergonomics and the Workplace Ordinance

The Annex of the Workplace Ordinance sets requirements for screen workstations: screen, keyboard, work surface, lighting and freedom from glare, software, and changes between tasks. For teleworking workstations, the ordinance applies with the limits stated in § 1. For mobile working without a set-up workstation, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) and the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung) apply. Employees must be given safety instruction on how to use the equipment. The check-up does not replace these measures. It adds to them.

Documentation

The offer and the check-up are recorded in the check-up register (Vorsorgekartei) under § 3 para. 4 ArbMedVV. The employer receives a certificate stating the trigger, the date and the next appointment, without findings. Changes to workstations, such as new screens or a move to the home office, are a reason to review the risk assessment.

In practice

An offered check-up for screen work can be combined with other triggers in one appointment. Because it consists of advice and an eye test, a telemedical appointment may be possible for further appointments under AMR 3.4, if it is medically justifiable and the eye test is carried out on site by a qualified person. The first check-up at the company remains an in-person appointment. We arrange on-site appointments with companies in the Ingolstadt, Munich and Upper Bavaria area. Advice and meetings are available nationwide by video.