Display Screen Assessments
A DSE assessment evaluates the potential risks linked to the use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including computers, laptops, tablets, and other display screens in the workplace.
It is crucial for individuals who use such equipment as part of their job. The assessment analyses how the screen and its associated equipment are used and evaluates the potential risks to the user. These assessments are often referred to as DSE Self-Assessments, Workstation assessments, or Visual Display Unit Assessments.
Why are DSE Assessments Important?
Many employers and employees are completely unaware of the impact that a poorly arranged workstation can have on health.
A poorly equipped and arranged workstation is a major contributing factor in the development of many work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs). These conditions can be both short—and long-term but, in most cases, cause a lot of avoidable pain, discomfort, and stress. Other associated symptoms include temporary eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue/stress.
The hazards associated with DSE workstations must, therefore, be properly assessed so that they are adequately equipped and adjustable to suit the user’s needs.
Good practices for using DSE
An increasing number of people are spending more time working from home. If that work involves the use of DSE, the employer should ensure that a risk assessment is carried out for the DSE workstation used at home.
Many home workers use laptops, which are primarily designed for short-term use. If they are used frequently or for long periods, docking stations, separate keyboards, and mice should be provided.
This enables the laptop user to adjust the workstation in a manner most comfortable for them.
As with other aspects of health and safety, the action required depends on the outcome of the Risk Assessment.
Display Screen Assessment FAQs
I Work with Computers. Should my Employer Pay for me to Have an Eyesight Test? The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992) cover the use of computers at work. Display screen users are not obliged to take an eyesight test, but employers must provide an appropriate test free of charge to users who request one. They should make users aware of the arrangements for requesting an eye test. It should include a test of vision, an examination of the eye and should take account of the nature of the users’ work, including the distance at which the screen is viewed. It should be carried out by a registered optician, or a registered medical practitioner with suitable qualifications. The employer is free to specify who should carry out the test. Many companies have policies on eyesight tests, so check with your personnel, health and safety, occupational health or union safety representatives. Basic glasses needed specifically for display screen work should be paid for by the employer. Alternatively, the employer can contribute the same cost to a more expensive pair (e.g. with designer frames). However, very few people (10%) ever need glasses specifically to work with computer screens
An Employee Has Had to See a Physiotherapist Because of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Is Their Workstation to Blame? The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992) require employers to ensure that any regular DSE user has a suitable and sufficient assessment of their work station carried out and that daily work routines are planned, encompassing adequate breaks or changes of activity, to reduce their workload at that equipment. To prevent other staff developing aches, pains or even RSI, you need to make sure that they: - adjust their chair and display screen to find a comfortable working position - use good keyboard and mouse techniques - do not work for excessive periods of time in the same position -take adequate breaks by carrying out other activities away from the computer. Early management intervention and treatment of an individual's symptoms, both physical and psychological, can reduce the impact, onset and duration of RSI, thus avoiding permanent long-term damage to the individual's health.
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