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1.1 Display screen equipment (DSE)

The risk to health from the regular use of display screen equipment (DSE or VDUs) is small, and the incidence of ill health directly attributable to such use is rare, given the very extensive worldwide use of DSE in almost every working environment.  There are, however, regulations that require some control over work involving the frequent and/or intensive use of display screens, based on an assessment of particular risks to the health of users. 

Detailed guidance on the implementation of the Health and Safty (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 is set out in the HSE guidance booklet L26 Work with Display Screen Equipment: Guidance on Regulations.  This document summarises the main requirements of the regulations, setting out the key areas to be considered in assessing the suitability of DSE equipment and workstations and the environment in which they are used. 

LOXbrook have a duty to manage the risk in DSE work. Additionally, there is a reliance on employees, overseen by line manager, to self assess, setup and monitor the equipment and environmental conditions to minimise that risk. Therefore using the DSE self-assessment form ‘LBA001 set out  in these procedures and this guidance the LOXbrook can support the wellbeing of all employees. 

1.2 Statutory requirements

There is a general requirement under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 for those responsible for employees to assess and control any risks to which they may be exposed. This requirement is expanded in the Display Screen Equipment Regulations and cover risk assessments in five specific areas in relation to display screen work:

  • Suitability of hardware and furniture associated with DSE workstations
  • Suitability of the equipment, layout and general working environment
  • Work routine of users and the demands placed upon them by the tasks and the software used
  • Protection and correction of users' eyesight
  • Provision of adequate information and training

The principal health risks from the use of DSE are said to involve musculoskeletal disorders and visual fatigue. The HSE guidance also focuses on the importance of psychosocial risk factors, requiring employers to consider both the physical and mental impact for employees of working with display screen equipment. The guidance asserts that many effects of psychosocial factors may be linked to musculoskeletal disorders via stress-related processes, which include direct biochemical and physiological changes to the body.  

1.3 What is display screen equipment

The definition of display screen equipment is not limited to typical office visual display terminals and personal computers, nor is it restricted to conventional cathode ray tube displays. It is defined as equipment having an alphanumeric or graphic display screen regardless of the display process involved, and therefore includes:

  • All conventional desktop and laptop PC screens (including LCD, plasma and other display technologies)
  • Any screen used for the display of text, line drawings, graphs, charts, document images, television pictures, movie clips, movie stills, video sequences
  • Screens used for CAD displays and computer-generated graphics
  • Screens used for e-mail and internet applications

2. Workstation Guidance.

This guidance sets out how to setup your workstation for completion of the Display Screen Equipment Assessment form, see form in appendix 2.

2.2 Your chair

Frequently checking and adjusting your sitting posture is one of the best methods to guard against work related upper limb disorder injuries and fatigue. 

Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor or, if necessary, should be supported by a footrest. For most people the knees should be at a level equal to or slightly lower than the hips. Adjust the chair height to attain a natural inward curve of the spine and optimize the comfort of your lower back. If the chair is too low, your lower back will flatten or round out. If the chair is too high, your feet, and therefore your back, are unsupported. Circulation to the lower leg can also be compromised if the chair is too high. 

There should be 2-3 inches between the back of your leg and the seat of the chair. This will allow for a natural bend in your knees. If the seat is too short, it can create pressure points and discomfort in the back of the thigh. If the seat is too long, you will not be able to sit back in the chair. Some chairs have adjustments that shorten or lengthen the seat if necessary. Lumbar pillows can also be used as a method to improve the fit of a seat that is too long.

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