Work Health

Staying healthy at work - services for UCL staff

The following guidance has been provided to support you in the workplace.

Eye tests for DSE users

Covid-19 update

We are pleased to inform you that in line with the Government’s guidelines, our eyecare service will start re-opening from 22nd June 2020. Around a quarter of the optical network will be opening their doors and offering a Covid secure environment in which to provide eyecare services to on a ‘needs and symptom ’led basis, as per the optical governing bodies guidance. A ‘needs led’ approach enables the eyecare provider to use their professional judgment to act in their patient’s best interests.

Following a telephone triage appointment, the optician will arrange a face-to-face consultation if it is felt appropriate. A ‘needs led’ approach would not typically include recalling low risk asymptomatic patients, who are happy with their current correction.

This means that you can now apply for an EyecarePlan voucher if you:
•    are due an eye test and are concerned about your vision
•    have noticed changes in your vision
•    have problems with your glasses or need a replacement
•    have lost/broken your glasses and do not have a spare to continue their daily activities safely with glasses
•    have any other concerns about your eye health

The decision to conduct an eye test lies within the professional judgement of the optical staff.

We thank you for your patience in this difficult time and if you require any further assistance you can contact Eyecare Plans either by email, services@eyecareplans.co.uk or by phone on 0844 800 4028.

We will continue to update you as the situation evolves.

UCL recognises its duty to comply with the Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 amended (2002), which includes provision for eye tests and spectacles required specifically for use with Display Screen Equipment (DSE).

FAQs about working with display screen equipment
Eye test pack application form (UCL staff only)

Confidential information, support and counselling service

UCL have partnered with Care First to provide an employee assistance programme (EAP), offering confidential information, advice and counselling services to our staff and students. Support for staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

More about our employee assistance programme

Good health in the office

The art of sitting (external link) Advice on finding the correct sitting posture at your desk
Display screen equipment (DSE) assessments

Supporting wellbeing at UCL

Pressure is a fact of life and can be a positive force, motivating you into action and providing energy. At UCL, within Occupational Health and Wellbeing, there is a dedicated wellbeing team providing access to relevant services and resources to staff and students. There is also a network across UCL of Wellbeing Champions based in departments across UCL.

Access the wellbeing page

Online cognitive behaviour therapy

SilverCloud
UCL are offering SilverCloud - an online cognitive behaviour therapy tool available to staff and PhD students to target stress, depression, anxiety and negative body image.

Access SilverCloud

Responding to accidental exposure to blood and body fluids

What to do if you are exposed to human blood or bodily fluids. Please see the guide below.

Accidental Exposure to human blood or bodily fluids.pdf