Glossy monitors look good but can hurt

Reflections and glare on high gloss monitor screens and their relation to the angle of the monitor screen, could cause the operator to adopt awkward postures when viewing the monitor screen and using related equipment. These reflections on the screen can be from internal and external sources such as the overhead lighting and/or position of windows.

Awkward postures adopted by the operator may in turn lead to an injury.

Users of the high gloss monitor screens should conduct an assessment of the area where the monitor is to be placed on the desk top and ensure the sources of reflections and glare are eliminated or minimised to reduce the potential for injury by considering the following-

- Consider the amount of time that the monitor is being used during a work day – if used minimally then some of the control options may not be applicable. If the monitor and other screen based equipment is being used frequently during day then the potential for injury should be managed.
- Place the monitor so that the high gloss screen is at 90 degree angle to the overhead lighting to minimise glare and reflection; and/or adjust the tilt of the monitor screen slightly so that the reflections from both internal and external sources are minimised.
- Close venetian blinds or lower screens to reduce glare and reflections from windows.
Adjust the contrast. A ’ low brightness’ setting on the high gloss monitor screen in combination with the glass increases the readability for the user,
- Consider positioning of the high gloss monitor on another section of the desk top which is not affected by reflections and/or glare.
Consult and advise with your manager, local supervisor and/or Workplace Health and Safety Officer, Workplace Health and Safety Representative to assist with the assessment and management of risk.
- Consider consultation with a Facilities Management Lighting engineer to determine if overhead lighting can be modified e.g. tube removed and still provide adequate levels of light to enable reading, writing and screen based equipment work tasks to be performed.
- Consider the purchase of other types of monitors which are not high gloss.

Associated Link: More: Advisory on High Gloss computer screens

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