Display Screen Regulations - Are you a User?
Gary Sullivan MIOSH MRIPH
Deputy Health and Safety Manager.
Citation plc
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Most people these days have a computer sitting on their desk or at least available for use within the office, therefore it is important to ascertain if they are classed as a user to ensure that that their eyesight and upper body is not affected by poor posture or due to using the equipment in unsuitable surroundings.
So what is ‘display screen equipment’ (DSE)
or ‘a DSE User’?
‘Display screen equipment’ is a computer screen, which is used for displaying information such as text, numbers graphics etc. Portable equipment i.e. laptop computers are sometimes excluded if they not for prolonged use; other equipment include cash registers cash point machines etc.
“The Display Screen Equipment Regulations” defines a ‘DSE user’ as 'an employee who habitually uses display screen equipment to undertake a significant part of his/her normal work’.
Ergonomic Considerations
When you are considering if employers are classed as users it is important to look at the suitability of the workstation design, this is commonly known as ‘ergonomics’ and includes the following area: -
- Screen – can the monitor be adjusted i.e. contrast, height, angle and is there any glare on the screen due to reflecting sunlight.
- Keyboard – can it be used easily avoiding repetitive strain of limbs and can the characters be seen clearly.
- Desks and work surfaces – are they large enough i.e. space, height and position
- Chairs are they comfortable and can they be adjusted by the user to suit their individual height.
- Lighting and heating – is there adequate diffused lighting and is the room at an appropriate temperature.
- Time operator uses the computer – does the user spend long times using the computer and does the task need a fast response.
It is important to consider all DSE Users on an individual risk basis i.e. we all have unique sitting postures and techniques for operating at our workstation.
Display Screen Equipment Regulations
Worldwide research has identified specific risks to DSE operators, depending on certain factors that if not assessed and corrected will inevitably reduce the individuals comfort, well-being and ultimately their efficiency.
Consequently this has resulted in the government implementing the
‘Display Screen Equipment Regulations’.
These are designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the operator, however they also have real commercial benefits providing they are implemented successfully by reducing sickness attendance that may be caused by stress.
Failure to implement them can often lead to users sitting in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods without sufficient rest breaks which could escalate into muscular-skeletal disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Eliminating the Risks
Now you are aware of the risks to DSE users it is important to eliminate any exposure to the computer operators. This is undertaken initially by compiling a risk assessment to ascertain what are the potential risks and the related hazards. These assessments should be undertaken by a competent person who has sufficient knowledge of the task and the legal requirements.
However depending on the user it may be necessary to employ different levels of assessors such as an occupational nurse, although in most circumstances it can be undertaken in house by using a suitable checklist. This should be used in conjunction with the user and the line manager to ensure that informed judgements are made and the appropriate actions taken to reduce any health problems.
Assessment Checklist
When undertaking you assessments it is important to ensure that they: -
- Identify the risks and hazards.
- Decide who may be harmed.
- Take necessary measures to reduce any risks
- Review software suitability and/or provide training
- Where necessary arrange, only on individual request, for the provision of initial eye tests NB: Employers are not legally required to pay for tints, contact lens or designer frames.
- Advise operators of the risks by training.
- Record your risk assessment and make available to computer users.
- Review and update assessments and training accordingly to ensure that it remains up to date and that precautions have been implemented
Display Screens and Pregnancy
The use of computer equipment is often discussed when female operatives advise the employers that they have become pregnant for fear that radiation from the monitor will affect the unborn baby. The National Radiation Protection Board considers that the radiation levels that are emitted from display screens does not put an unborn child at risk and has been proven by many worldwide epidemiological studies. It is however important to ensure that a specific assessment is documented for pregnant workers.
Laptop Users
Due to improvements that have been made with technology within the last ten years, more and more people are using laptop computers that are more compact and easy to carry.
As a result of small keyboards, prolonged use can become uncomfortable and lead to the user suffering symptoms of RSI unless suitable steps are taken to avoid problems. Therefore it is advisable to use a docking station with a separate keyboard or alternatively use desktop computer equipment if available.
Due to the possible risks associated with this type of equipment it is important to ensure that suitable assessments are undertaken for people who use portable equipment as well as the main office staff. Users should also have suitable training to ensure that they reduce the risk of problems associated with computers by sitting comfortably, angling the screen so it can be seen clearly with minimal reflections and by taking regular breaks.
What to do next?
In order that your business complies with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations it is important to undertake simple assessments for all employees who habitually use computer equipment along with anyone who is likely to be come a user in the future.
All employees should be advised of the risks of using the computers and that if they have any worries regarding their health they should talk to their supervisor or safety representative at the earliest possible time.
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