Health and Safety Update (Sept 2008)
Know your display screen equipment
Display screen equipment (DSE) is one of the most common types
of work equipment and is used by millions of employees. Surveys
have found that high proportions of DSE workers report aches, pains
or eye discomfort. In general, these conditions do not indicate any
serious ill health, but it makes sense to avoid them as far as
possible.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment)
Regulations aim to protect the health of people who work with
DSE. Here are some frequently asked questions about DSE.
What are the hazards of DSE work?
Hazards of DSE work include work related upper limb disorders
(WRULD's) - encompassing pains in the hands, neck, wrists,
shoulders, arms and back - temporary eyestrain, headaches and
fatigue / stress so it is in the employer's interest to ensure
appropriate controls are in place.
What's the difference between a VDU, a VDT, a monitor and
display screen equipment (DSE)?
There isn't one. All these terms mean the same thing - a display
screen, usually forming part of a computer and showing text,
numbers or graphics. This includes both conventional (cathode ray
tube, TV-style) screens and the newer flat-panel displays such as
those used in portable computers.
Who is affected?
The Regulations apply where employees use DSE as a significant
part of their normal work. Other people, who use DSE only
occasionally, are not covered by the requirements in the
Regulations (apart from the workstation requirements). However, the
employer still has general duties to protect them under other
health and safety legislation
What do I as the employer have to do?
Employers have to:
- Assess the DSE equipment workstation and reduce risks
Employers need to look at:
- the whole workstation including equipment, furniture, and the
work environment;
- the job being done;
- any special needs of individual staff.
Employees should be encouraged to take part in risk assessments,
for example, by reporting health problems. Where risks are
identified, the employer must take steps to reduce them.
What do I need to consider as part of a DSE Assessment?
The following topics should be included in a DSE assessment:
- Ensure workstations meet minimum
requirements
These requirements cover many issues such as adjustable chairs and
suitable lighting. They are set out in a schedule to the
Regulations, covering screens, keyboards, desks, chairs, the work
environment and software.
- Plan work so there are breaks or changes of
activity
The need for breaks depends on the nature and intensity of the
work. The Regulations require breaks or changes of activity but do
not specify their timing or length. However there is guidance which
explains general principles, for example short, frequent breaks are
better than longer, less frequent ones. Ideally the individual
should have some discretion over when to take breaks. A 5-10 minute
break every hour is good practice.
- Arrange eye tests upon request and provide spectacles
if special ones are needed
Employees covered by the Regulations can ask their employer to
provide and pay for an eye and eyesight test. There is also an
entitlement to further tests at regular intervals - the optometrist
doing the first test can recommend when the next should be.
Employers only have to pay for spectacles if special ones (for
example, prescribed for the distance at which the screen is viewed)
are needed and normal ones cannot be used.
- Provide health and safety training and
information
Employers have to provide training to make sure employees can use
their work equipment and workstation safely. They should be aware
of how to adjust the equipment to avoid health problems, for
example by adjusting the chair.
Information should also be provided about health and safety. This
should include general background information. It should also cover
more specific details of the steps taken by the employer to comply
with the Regulations, such as the action taken to reduce risks and
th arrangements for breaks.
- Reassessment
An assessment should be done when a new workstation is set up, when
a new user starts work, or when a substantial change is made to an
existing workstation. Assessments should also be repeated if there
is any other reason to suspect they may no longer be valid - for
example, if the user indicates any pain or discomfort.