As an employer, it's your duty to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees, especially those who use display screen equipment (DSE) for prolonged periods. DSE use has become increasingly common in modern workplaces, but it can lead to various health risks if not properly managed. Below, we'll explore what DSE is, the health risks associated with its use, and how to manage those risks to protect your employees. Contact us to learn more about our international health and safety consultancy services and how we can help you ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
What is Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to equipment with an alphanumeric or graphic display screen. Common examples include computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices with screens. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply to all employers whose employees use DSE as a significant part of their work. The regulations aim to protect workers from the health risks associated with DSE use.
Health Risks Associated with DSE Use
Prolonged use of DSE can cause various health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, prolonged periods of sitting, eye strain and other vision problems caused by staring at screens for extended periods, and stress and mental health issues caused by the intensity and pace of work, as well as constant connectivity through electronic devices. To manage these risks, employers must conduct risk assessments and implement control measures.
How to Manage the Risks of DSE Use
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. To comply with this duty, they must ensure that their employees are not exposed to risks from using DSE. This involves carrying out a DSE risk assessment, implementing control measures to manage the risks identified in the risk assessment, providing training and education to employees on safe and healthy work practices when using DSE, and encouraging breaks and regular exercise to avoid prolonged periods of sitting and staring at screens. Employers should also provide regular eye tests to employees who use DSE regularly.
The Role of Health and Safety Consultants
Health and Safety Consultants can provide expert advice and support to organisations in managing the risks associated with DSE use. Consultants have expertise in DSE regulations and standards and can provide advice and guidance on DSE risk assessments and control measures. They can conduct health and safety audits to identify areas of non-compliance and develop and implement strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
Conclusion
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) use has become increasingly common in modern workplaces, but it can lead to various health risks if not properly managed. Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, especially those who use DSE for prolonged periods. Managing the risks of DSE use involves carrying out a risk assessment, implementing control measures, providing training and education, and encouraging breaks and regular exercise. Contact us to learn more about our international health and safety consultancy services and how we can help you protect your employees from DSE-related health risks.
FAQ
Prolonged use of DSE can cause various health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, prolonged periods of sitting, eye strain and other vision problems caused by staring at screens for extended periods, and stress and mental health issues caused by the intensity and pace of work, as well as constant connectivity through electronic devices.
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, especially those who use DSE for prolonged periods. This involves carrying out a DSE risk assessment, implementing control measures to manage the risks identified in the risk assessment, providing training and education to employees on safe and healthy work practices when using DSE, and encouraging breaks and regular exercise to avoid prolonged periods of sitting and staring at screens. Employers should also provide regular eye tests to employees who use DSE regularly.
Health and Safety Consultants can provide expert advice and support to organisations in managing the risks associated with DSE use. Consultants have expertise in DSE regulations and standards and can provide advice and guidance on DSE risk assessments and control measures. They can conduct health and safety audits to identify areas of non-compliance and develop and implement strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
Employees can take steps to reduce the risks associated with DSE use by adopting good posture when sitting at their workstation, taking regular breaks to rest their eyes and stretch their muscles, avoiding glare and reflections on their screen, adjusting the brightness and contrast of their screen to a comfortable level, and ensuring that their workstation is set up ergonomically with their screen at the right height and distance from their eyes.