AP785611 - Journalists (Television) Award 1998

PART 9 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS, AMENITIES 

27. TECHNOLOGY, VDT BREAKS AND RELATED MATTERS

27.1 Where training in the use of new equipment is not given in the course of normal working hours, such time shall be paid for at overtime rates.

27.2 Eye examinations etc.

Prior to operating a visual display terminal, and at least once every two years thereafter, a member shall be reimbursed for the cost of a full eye examination by an opthamologist or an optometrist nominated by the employer, or as otherwise agreed.

This clause shall not apply where the employer pays for the eye examination.

[27.2 varied by PR906433 PR920958 PR935051 PR950264; PR960390 ppc 14Sep05]

27.2.1 Results of the examination shall be available to the member. Should this examination disclose that spectacles are needed, the cost of these is to be met by the member unless the opthalmologist or optometrist confirms in writing that the spectacles so prescribed are necessary for the use of VDT work. Where such confirmation is given, the employer shall pay the cost of the lenses and up to $119.60 on the cost of frames.

[27.2.2 varied by PR920958 PR935051 PR950264; PR960390 ppc 14Sep05]

27.2.2 Where such follow-up examination or examinations the opathalmologist or optometrist prescribes spectacles, or a lens change, for visual display terminal operation, the employer shall pay the cost of the lenses and up to $119.60 on the cost of frames.

[27.2.3 varied by PR920958 PR935051 PR950264; PR960390 ppc 14Sep05]

27.2.3 Where the member receives or is entitled to receive a health fund or other benefit towards the cost of spectacles which the employer is by this clause required to meet or contribute to, the employer shall pay the difference between the cost of the spectacles and the benefit, with a maximum of $119.60 on the frames.

27.3 VDT breaks

Except in an emergency, where the maximum time of operation shall be two and a half hours, no member shall be required to operate a visual display terminal for more than two hours straight without a break. At the end of two hours a member shall be entitled to a ten minute paid break from operating a VDT.

Subclause 27.3 is to be applied in accordance with the following agreed procedure:

27.3.1 An employer may require a member to engage on non-VDT work during the break provided for in the subclause.

27.3.2 The break shall fall during a shift or part of a shift. The VDT break shall not be taken at the end of a shift (that is, a ten-minute ‘early cut’) nor at the end of a half shift (that is, an extra ten minutes added to the meal break).

27.3.3 An employer and members may agree to have different arrangements for VDT breaks, provided that the limit of two and a half hours set out in the first paragraph is adhered to.