Display screen regulations
The regulations apply to any form of display screen, and cover anyone who uses DSE for an hour, or more during their working hours
The regulations state that employers must complete 4 tasks to ensure the safety of their employees. These are:
1. Analyse workstations and assess and reduce risks
2. Plan work so that there are breaks or changes of activity
3. Arrange and pay for eye tests and glasses (if special ones are needed)
4. Provide health and safety training and information
- Analyse workstations and assess and reduce risks
The computer equipment and the area around it should be safe. If any risks are found, then action needs to be taken to make it safe
The assessment should also cover the job role and any special requirements of the staff member to carry out that role
When should employers, and employees working from home, complete a display screen equipment assessment?
When:
- A new workstation is set up
- A new employee starts work
- A change is made to an existing workstation or the way it is used
- Employees complain of pain or discomfort
What are the minimum requirements for a workstation?
- Providing adjustable chairs and suitable lighting
- Providing tilt and swivel monitors
- Ensuring that the workstation has sufficient space for the keyboard, monitor and any paperwork
- Plan work so that there are breaks or changes of activity
Employees should not be expected to work at display screen equipment (DSE) all day, and regular breaks or changes in activity should be provided
When is it recommended to take a break and how long for?
The regulations do not state how often and how long breaks should be, but it is recommended to take a 5 minute break every 1 hour
What should an employee do during a break from display screen equipment?
During a break, it is advised that you move around, stretch and focus eyes on something other than a DSE
- Arrange and pay for eye tests and glasses (if special ones are needed)
- Employees that work with DSE can ask for eye tests and arrange for them to be paid for by their employer
- Eye tests can be repeated as advised by the optician – the employer will have to continue paying
Working with display screen equipment and its effect on your eyes
Working with DSE does not cause permanent damage to eyes, but if used for a long time it can lead to:
- Tired eyes
- Discomfort
- Temporary short-sightedness
- Headaches
When do employers have to pay for employees glasses?
Employers will only have to pay for the glasses if they are only needed for work
- Provide health and safety training and information
Employers must provide training to make sure that their employees can use their computer equipment and workstations correctly
What could Health and Safety training include?
How employees can use the equipment to minimise risks to their health
What Health and Safety information should employees provide to their employers
The employees should also provide information to their employers about Health and Safety when using screen equipment and the steps that have been taken to minimise the risks
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the fingers, wrists and other parts of the body due to repeated movements over a long period of time, often while sitting at a computer screen.
- For example, tendonitis is an inflammation of a person’s tendon and can be caused by prolonged use of a keyboard.
Solutions of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Make sure posture is correct
- Use wrist-rests
- Take a five-minute break from typing every hour
Back Strain
Many computer users suffer serious back problems. This is probably due to poor posture or adopting an awkward position while sitting at a computer.
Solutions of back strain
- a fully adjustable chair should prevent poor posture
- footrests can reduce these problems
- screen should tilt and turn to a position that avoids awkward movements
Eye Strain
Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer screen for a long time, particularly if working in bad light, in glare or with a flickering screen.
Solutions of eye strain
- Screen filters can remove a high percentage if rays emitted from a computer screen
- Use screens that do not flicker
- Take regular breaks – do not work for more than one hour without taking a break
- Lighting must be suitable, and blinds fitted to windows to reduce glare
General Working Environment
The general working environment covers all job roles, including those working with DSE
Who has a responsibility for the general working environment
Both the employer and employee
The working environment should:
- Have the appropriate workplace facilities including the right number of toilets and wash basins, drinking water, and somewhere to rest and eat meals
- Be a healthy working environment
- Be a safe workplace
What does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state that a healthy working environment should have?
- Good ventilation including a supply of fresh, clean air from outside or a well-maintained air conditioning system
- A reasonable working temperature so it is comfortable to work (usually at least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work, unless other laws require lower temperatures)
- Lighting suitable for the work being carried out
- Enough room space, suitable for workstations and seating
- Appropriate waste containers for recyclable and non-recyclable waste
What is a safe workplace?
A safe workplace is one that has:
- Maintained buildings and work equipment
- Floors and traffic routes kept free of obstructions
- Windows that can be opened and cleaned safely
- Any glass or transparent doors or walls protected or made of safety material
