Health and safety made simple!

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 regulate the use of display screen equipment (DSE) within the workplace. These regulations apply to persons who regularly use display screen equipment  as a significant part of their normal work.

Examples of persons that fit this criteria:

  • Persons that use display screen equipment for long periods of time.
  • Persons that use display screen 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.
Extensive use of Display Screen Equipment:
Extensive use of display screen equipment can cause some or all of the following, temporary eye strain, upper limb disorder, stress and fatigue.

To minimize 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 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 screens 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 e.g. 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.
Eye tests:
 
The following aspects should be taken into account when considering eye tests.
 
  • Eye tests for display screen equipment users must be provided and paid for by the employer.
  • If not offered, users can request an eye test.
  • The test must be carried out by an ophthalmic optician or registered medical practitioner.
  • If the tests show that corrective spectacles are needed specifically for display screen work, the employer must provide these.

Many high street opticians offer businesses a voucher system for employee eye tests.
 
Training:
 
Information about the use of workstations must be provided, this should include:
 
  • The risks of fatigue and upper limb disorder.
  • Workstation assessments.
  • Information on eyesight tests.
  • Training records.
 

For further information about display screen equipment please visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf