Millions of people in Britain alone, use Display Screen Equipment every day and an increasing number of hours are spent in front of our screens.
So what are the problems?
Computer workstations can be associated with neck, shoulder, back or arm pain as well as fatigue and eyestrain. Surveys have found that a high proportion of Display Screen Equipment users report aches, pains or eye discomfort. These aches and pains are sometimes called upper limb disorders (ULDs) which can include a range of medical conditions such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). While many of these conditions do not cause serious ill health it makes sense to avoid them as far as possible.
The Health & Safety (DSE) Regulations 1992
The regulations were introduced because Display Screen Equipment has become one of the most common kinds of work equipment and aims to protect the health of the user. They require employers to:
- Analyse workstations to assess and reduce risk
- Look at the whole workstation (equipment, furniture and the work environment), the job and any specials needs of individual staff
- Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements
- Plan work so there are breaks and changes of activity
- On request arrange eye tests, and provide spectacles if special ones are needed
- Provide health and safety training and information
It doesn’t mean that DSE work is risky—it isn’t. ULDs can be avoided if users follow good practice, workstations are set up correctly and breaks are taken during prolonged use. By just taking a few simple precautions work with DSE can be comfortable and productive.
If you employ many users of DSE, it may help to appoint someone competent to act as an assessor. The assessor can help to identify:
- who is covered by the Regulations
- assess workstation risks and put control measures in place
- provide training
Review of assessment is key to good working practice, especially where there has been a change of employee, equipment, considerable change in task or … the user has changed their workstation!!
Why not contact us to discuss your requirements?