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 )  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