Computers and display screen equipment

Using a computer or other kinds of display screen equipment (visual display units) can give rise to back problems, repetitive strain injury, or other musculo-skeletal disorders. These health problems may become serious if no action is taken. They can be caused by poor design of work-stations (and associated equipment such as chairs), insufficient space, lack of training or not taking breaks.   Work with a screen does not cause eye damage, but many users experience temporary eye strain or stress. This can lead to reduced work efficiency or taking time off work. 

Some users may get aches and pains in their hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back, especially after long periods of uninterrupted VDU work. ‘Repetitive strain injury’ (RSI) has become a popular term for these aches, pains and disorders, but can be misleading - it means different things to different people.   A better medical name for this whole group of conditions is ‘upper limb disorders’. Usually these disorders do not last, but in a few cases they may become persistent or even disabling. 

Problems can often be avoided by good workplace design, so that operators can work comfortably, and by good working practices (like taking frequent short breaks from the VDU).   Prevention is easiest if action is taken early, before the problem has become serious.  

If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes” you probably need to consider what else you should do: 

  • Is there regular use of display screens as a significant part of the work?  
  • Does anyone use a keyboard, mouse or other input device?   
  • Are people complaining of discomfort, aches and pains?  

 
You must then assess: 

  • the whole workstation including equipment, furniture, and the work environment; 
  • the job being done; and 
  • any special needs of individual staff (whose views may be sought as part of the assessment).  

Where risks are identified, the employer must take steps to reduce them. 

Work stations must meet minimum requirements, such as adjustable chairs and suitable lighting. They are set out in a schedule to the Regulations on DSE (Display Screen Equipment), covering screens, keyboards, desks, chairs, the work environment and software. All workstations now have to comply, to the extent necessary for the health and safety of workers (a transitional period for modification of older workstations expired at the end of 1996). 

Employees covered by the Regulations can ask their employer to provide and pay for an eye and eyesight test. This is a test by an optometrist or doctor. There is also an entitlement to further tests at regular intervals; the optometrist doing the first test can recommend when the next should be. Employers only have to pay for spectacles if special ones (for example, prescribed for the distance at which the screen is viewed) are needed and normal ones cannot be used. 

You can access more information on this topic by clicking on the following link: 
http://www.hse.gov.uk

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