As part of any good safety management system, it
is necessary for risk assessments to be conducted
on the use of display screen equipment, to make sure of compliance with legislation and to reduce any risks which may arise from the use of DSE to the user.
What is the importance of display screen equipment in the workplace?
Display screen equipment (DSE) workstation set-up is crucially important as it
helps to mitigate the health risks of regular DSE use
. Health risks include musculoskeletal problems, stress, headaches and eye tiredness.
Why should you complete a display screen equipment DSE assessment?
DSE Assessments are important for a number of reasons including:
Enhance the morale, health and well-being of employees
.
Reduce sickness absence and maximise productivity
.
Reduce the risk of claims for Upper Limb Disorders
.
What is the purpose of the display screen equipment DSE regulations introduced in 1992?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2002) These Regulations
require employers to minimise the risks in VDU / keyboard work by ensuring that workplaces and jobs are well designed.
When working with display screen equipment DSE Why is it important to take regular posture breaks?
Always check your posture
and take regular breaks away from your desk to help avoid this outcome. Whilst DSE work can’t cause permanent eye damage, that doesn’t mean you can’t suffer as a result of it. Long spells of DSE work can cause: Tired eyes.
What are the risks of using display screen equipment?
The main health risks that arise from work with display screen equipment are
fatigue, eye strain, upper limb problems and backache
. These problems can arise from overuse of display screen equipment or improper use, for example where a workstation is not set up properly for the user.
What is considered display screen equipment?
As an employer, you must protect your workers from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE), such as
PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones
. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for an hour or more at a time.
What is the most important factor when using a DSE?
One major factor is the
use of display screen equipment
(defined by the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as any alphanumeric or graphic display screen), which along with back pain is also associated with neck, shoulder and arm pain, as well as with fatigue and eyestrain.
How can you avoid health problems when using display screens?
Health and Safety
Make sure there is space under the desk to move legs.
Avoid excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of legs and knees
. A footrest may be helpful, particularly for smaller users.
Who should complete a DSE assessment?
If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work, continuously for an hour or more,
employers must
do a workstation assessment. Employers should look at: the whole workstation, including equipment, furniture, and work conditions.
What do the display screen use regulations cover?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (amended 2002) apply to
all display screen equipment (DSE) – computer screens
. The main provisions are as follows: 1. Employers must carry out a risk assessment of workstations used by employees to reduce any identified risks.
What is DSE risk assessment?
A DSE assessment is
an assessment of risk from the way we use computers, laptops, tablets and other display screens at work
. … Like any risk assessments, the aim is to identify the hazards and assess the likelihood and severity of harm to those that may be affected. Then, take action to reduce the risk.
What does DSE assessment include?
DSE Assessments look at a number of things in your proximity and help you evaluate your current workstation layout. More specifically, they look at
your keyboard, mouse, display screens
, your furniture (IE chair and desk) and the environment around you.
How often should you look away from your computer screen?
Look away from the screen
every 20 minutes or so
and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often to keep your eyes moist. If they feel dry, try some eye drops.
How often are DSE assessments?
Minimum Programme of Regular Re-assessments
At Sureteam, we recommend that as a minimum a new DSE Assessment is undertaken for every employee,
every 2 years
.
What happens if desk is too high?
If you’re working at a desk that is too high, you may notice that you elevate your arms, shrug your shoulders, extend your arms forward to use the keyboard/mouse, or rest your forearms on the edge of the tabletop. … In short, if your desk is too high, you may experience
shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand discomfort
.
