WRITTEN QUESTION E-2320/99

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Injuries caused by using a mouse

Injuries resulting from the use of a mouse look set to become a major occupational health hazard and have been proclaimed as the big new health and safety problem of the future. A Danish study of the problems caused by working at a VDU, commissioned by Århus district council, shows that just four hours a day is enough to cause damage to the wrists, elbows, neck and shoulders. However, it is not only those who use computers intensively that are at risk, for more than half of all the VDU users who took part in the survey had problems. Those who work at VDUs are just as badly affected physically as other groups who normally report most wrist, elbow neck and shoulder injuries.

Does the Commission know of similar research elsewhere in Europe into the extent of injuries caused by using a mouse?

The Danish study also shows that, unfortunately, there is a long way to go before the requirements of the European directive on working with display screen equipment are met. Only 36 % of desks could be height-regulated, and only 30 % of employees could rest their lower arm whilst using a keyboard or a mouse.

Does the Commission have an overview of how the directive is being implemented in other Member States?

Will it take steps to update the directive so that it takes account of any new findings concerning injuries caused by using a mouse at work.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(17 January 2000)

Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990, which lays down minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment(1), has been transposed by all the Member States.

Pursuant to Article 11(3) of the Directive, Member States must report to the Commission every four years on the practical implementation of the provisions of the Directive, indicating the points of view of employers and workers. These reports have allowed the Commission to obtain an overall view of the practical enforcement of this Directive.

Besides, in 1997 the Commission evaluated the scientific studies and the opinions expressed by the interested parties, notably as regards work with the mouse. According to the results of the evaluation, Directive 90/270/EEC adequately addresses these aspects, notably in point 1(d) of the Annex, which prescribes that the work surface shall be large enough to allow, inter alia, a flexible arrangement of the ancillary equipment (for example the mouse) and to allow workers to find a comfortable position.

As regards adjusting the height of the work desks, Directive 90/270/EEC does not lay down minimum requirements; rather, it provides that the work seat shall be adjustable in height and that the seat back shall be adjustable in both height and tilt.

Besides, with a view to evaluating the possible need for Community action on risk factors concerning upper limb disorders, the data assembled on this subject by the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work have been forwarded for opinion to the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work. Once the Committee has delivered its opinion the Commission will take whatever initiatives are required.

(1) OJ L 156, 21.6.1990.