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 continuous periods of an hour or more.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) includes any devices with a graphic display screen. If you use DSE for a significant part of your normal daily work, you may experience a range of health issues including:
- Fatigue
- Eyestrain
- Upper limb problems (e.g., aches and strains)
- Backache
These can be caused by poor posture, often as a result of poorly designed workstations (e.g., desk, chair, keyboard, screen etc) or a poor environment (e.g., lighting). Causes are not always obvious and can be a result of various factors.
Do’s
- Ensure a comfortable position at your workstation (e.g., adjust chair height, tilt, back supports and correct positions of work equipment)
- Keep your eyeline roughly within the top of the screen by positioning your screen approximately an arm’s length away from you
- Keep space around your desk clear, so you can move safely reducing the risk of trips and falls
- To avoid glare, position your screen away from the bright reflections (e.g., lights and directly opposite windows)
- Regular breaks are essential when working at a screen, this should give your eyes a break and ideally allow you to move around
- Change position and stretch regularly – take time to look into the distance and blink often
- Ensure your working equipment is clean, this will ensure sharp focus and can be easily read
- Text size should be easily readable without the need to lean forwards or squint
- When typing, keep your wrists inline with your arms – your forearms should be roughly horizontal with the keyboard
- Feet must be rested flat on the floor or on a footrest when seated
- Use a document holder which is at eye level
- Report issues with your eyesight on your DSE form as this may be related to work
- If you often use the phone, consider using a headset so you can use the computer at the same time
- Avoid eating and drinking at your desk to prevent spillages onto electrics
- Use visual inspection sheets to inspect power leads and plugs for damage on a regular basis
- Try to move positions so you are not sat in the same position for long periods of time
Don’ts
- Slouching in the chair as this could lead to back problems
- Move the chair instead of twisting your body
- Rest your forearms on the edge of the desk – this can restrict blood flow
- Avoid using extension leads/multi sockets where possible as they can be a fire hazrad
- Ignore headaches and pains
- Do not allow unprotected cables to trail on the ground
To find out more about The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, visit Working safely with display screen equipment: Overview – HSE
