DSE (computers)
  working on computers can cause eye strain and upper limb disorders.Got staff using computers for long periods ?
   Always here to help contact margaret@healthandsafetywise.co.uk
   
 

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation 1992 regulate the use of display screen equipment within the workplace. These regulations apply to persons who regularly use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work, e.g. if the persons use equipment for long periods of time, continuously or use the equipment on a daily basis. For those who are self employed or working from home the regulations only apply if the equipment is supplied by their client or employer. For more info email margaret@healthandsafetywise.co.uk

Extensive use of display screen equipment can cause some or all of the following: temporary eye strain, upper limb disorder, stress and fatigue. To minimise these effects you should also tell users about the following:

  • The general arrangements you have made for health and safety in their DSE work.
  • How they can apply for an eye test.
  • The importance of a comfortable posture.
  • The importance of using the adjustment mechanisms on the equipment, including the furniture.
  • How by arranging of workstation components, it can help over reaching and promote a good posture.
  • To avoid glare and reflections on the screen.
  • The need for regular cleaning of screen and other equipment for maintenance.
  • The importance of work-breaks.

    Regular breaks away from the screen are recommended. Frequent short breaks are better that less frequent longer breaks. If the job involves a variety of tasks being carried out other than display screen equipment work, for example photocopying or filling then specific rest breaks need not be implemented. If the job requires continuous use of display screen equipment such as data input then 5 to 10 minute breaks every hour should be implemented.

    Get your Display Screen Equipment risk assessment.

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    Upper Limb Disorder (ULD)

    Upper Limb Disorder is sometimes a symptom developed by DSE users. It Is a condition that is sometimes known as  repetative strain injury (RSI). ULDs are disorders involving any part of the arm from fingers to shoulders and neck.

    Symptoms can include the following:

  • Aches.
  • Pains.
  • Tension.
  • Tenderness.
  • Stiffness.
  • Weakness.
  • Tingling.
  • Numbness.
  • Cramp.
  • Swelling. 

    ULDs can be caused by some of the following:

    Who is at risk?

    There are many workplace activities that can put people at risk from ULD. Those who are most commonly effected are the ones carrying out repeative movements such as:

  • Repetitive work.
  • Uncomfortable working postures.
  • Sustained or excessive force.
  • Carrying out a task for long periods of time.
  • Working environment, e.g. too cold, hot or cramped conditions.

    Jobs that commonly result in employees suffering from some form of ULD are:

  • Supermarket checkout operators.
  • Printers.
  • Assembly line workers.
  • Factory line operatives.
  • Keyboard operators. 

    Some of the conditions caused by repetitive strain are:

  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Tennis elbow.
  • Writers cramp.
  • Tendinosis.

    Some preventatitve measures of these are:

  • Reduce highly repetitive movements.
  • Postural changes.
  • Job rotation.
  • Training.

    You can find out more about upper limb disorders from the Health and Safety Executive.

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