Display Screen Assessment
This is required for staff that spend longer than 60% of their day in front of a display screen, and ergonomic assessments are conducted to make reasonable adjustments to alleviate any health conditions already experienced. Our reports are written and made available to management within 48 hours of the assessment.
Overview
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is sometimes referred to as Visual Display Units (VDU) or Computer Workstations and includes laptops, touch-screens, and other similar devices that incorporate a display screen.
Any item of computer-related equipment including the computer, display, keyboard, mouse, desk, and chair can be considered part of the DSE workstation.
Risks of using display screen equipment
Many employers and employees are completely unaware of the impact on health that a poorly arranged workstation can have.
A poorly-equipped and arranged workstation is a major contributing factor in the development of many work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs). Conditions can be both short and long-term but in most cases cause a lot of avoidable pain, discomfort, and stress. Other associated symptoms include temporary eyestrain and headaches, and fatigue/stress.
The hazards associated with DSE workstations must, therefore, be properly assessed so that they are adequately equipped and adjustable to suit the user’s needs.
Legal duties and obligations
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 These regulations require employers to carry out an analysis and assessment of the work station.
Work stations must meet certain basic requirements that enable them to be appropriately adjusted and used without unacceptable risks to health and safety.
An employer must also be taken of daily work routines so that adequate breaks can be incorporated into the working day. This does not necessarily mean a complete break away from work, but a break from the DSE work (e.g. making phone calls, filing or other work that allows staff a change of activity and gets them away from the screen).