Office safety

DSE: display screen equipment means any alphanumeric or graphic display screen. Exclusions include “small data or measurement display”

Work Stations: any assembly including the screen, keyboard, other parts of the computer and its accessories, the desk, chair and the immediate work environment.

Hazards identified: the main risks that may arise in work with DSE are:

·Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or upper limb disorders
·Visual fatigue
·Mental stress

The risks to individual users are low but can be significant if good practice is not followed.

Who is at risk?
The user is at risk: an individual who is defined as a display screen user or operator. Risk is dependent on the nature and extent of their use of the equipment. The likelihood of risk factors associated with DSE use is related to the frequency, duration, intensity and pace of spells of continuous use. DSE users are classified as those who:

·use DSE daily and
·who use DSE continuous
·have to transfer information quickly
·high levels of attention and concentration on the Display Screen Equipment
·there work is dependent on DSE use (individuals who have little choice about using it)

Controls required
Problems will be avoided by ensuring good workplace design, so that individuals can work comfortably, and by ensuring good working practices (like taking frequent short breaks from the VDU).

Employer’s Responsibilities
The employer is responsible to assess work station requirements, assess the work being done, assess the special needs of individuals, ensure workstations meet minimum requirements, plan work, provide information and arrange eye tests for those defined as users

To check out our online DSE assessment go to
http://www.qservices.co.uk/she/questionnaires.asp

safety health and environment - she ltd

www.she.ltd.uk