Working With Display Screen Equipment

Ill-health effects resulting from display screen equipment include:

visual discomfort (eye fatigue and headaches)

upper limb disorders

aches and pains (back, shoulder, neck or wrist)

stress (mental and physical)

Possible ill-health effects resulting from DSE at work

DSE OHT 1

Hazardous working practices associated with DSE

DSE OHT 2

Hazardous working practices include:

working with a poor posture

working for too long without a break or change of position

a poor working environment

poor management of workload

“Users” are those who habitually use a display screen as a significant part of their work.

Display screen users

DSE OHT 3

Check the following to ensure correct posture:

is the chair at the right height?

is the display at the right height?

are the arms horizontal with the keyboard?

is the backrest adjusted to support the back?

are you sitting in an upright posture?

Correct posture

DSE OHT 4

Correct posture (cont)

DSE OHT 5

Screen intensive: suitable for users who look at the screen most of the time.

Layout of the work area (1)

DSE OHT 6

Layout of the work area (2)

Document intensive: suitable for touch typists who refer to the screen only occasionally.

DSE OHT 7

Checklist for users (1)

DSE OHT 8

1) Adjust the chair for a good posture. Check:

(a) seat height and tilt

(b) seat pad or back support for angle and position (supporting hollow section of back)

(c) arm rests (if present)

(d) wrist support (enough space on desk for support)

(e) after adjusting seat height for correct keyboard height, a footrest may help to reduce pressure on the thighs and allow a better sitting position.

2) Adjust the keyboard. Check:

(a) position (in front of you)

(b) height (level with wrists)

(c) slope (slightly angled).

Checklist for users (2)

DSE OHT 9

3) Adjust the display screen. Check:

(a) distance (approx. 50 cm), angle and height (top of screen level with eyes)

(b) glare and reflections. (Eliminate at source; adjust monitor if necessary)

4) Adjust the worktop layout to your work. Is it suitable for the task?

5) Ensure that the mouse is in a suitable position. Move the keyboard if you use it less than the mouse.

6) Check that you are comfortable. (Enough free space to change position)

Using the workstation

DSE OHT 10

The risk of ill-health is related to how the workstation is used.

To reduce the risk:

change posture regularly

break up display screen work (take regular short breaks from screen)

manage the workload

organise the worktop

maintain a good working environment

To avoid health problems:

ensure the workstation is set up correctly

ensure the work is organised properly

ask for an eye test if you have problems with your vision

adopt a good posture and change position regularly — take exercise

report aches and pains or ill-health

Avoiding health problems

DSE OHT 11

Supervisors and managers must:

be aware of the organisation’s policies and rules for health and safety (ME Policy No. 6.3.24)

ensure users follow the safe systems of work and good practice

promptly follow up reports of problems or ill-health

report problems they cannot deal with

lead by example

Supervisors’ and managers’ responsibilities

DSE OHT 12

Management checklist (1)

DSE OHT 13

Setting up the workstation:

adjusted chair and worktop

using the footrest or document holder

preventing glare

avoid trailing cables

Using the workstation:

sitting in the correct posture

organising work

taking breaks from display screen work

Taking care of health:

using spectacles

watching for signs of ill-health

encouraging users to follow the rules

Management checklist (2)

DSE OHT 14

Other Useful Guidelines

• Set brightness of monitor to minimum; Contrast maximum

• Do not set monitor with window in front or behind screen

• Do not use too much lighting when working with display screens. There should be a good contrast between light emitted from monitor and background.

• Reduce eyestrain by frequently looking at something distant.

DSE OHT 15

To reduce risks associated with DSE:

the workstation must be set up correctly

the equipment must be used properly

the work must be suitably organised

users, supervisors and managers should be aware of the possible health risks

users, supervisors and managers should follow procedures and work safely

users should report any problems to their supervisors or managers

Summary

DSE OHT 16