Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Musculoskeletal disorders
Answer: This depends on the kind of work you are doing. There is no legal limit but you need to break up long spells of DSE work. Short frequent breaks are better than longer but less frequent ones, eg 5-10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours. Ideally users should have some choice about when to take breaks. Most jobs provide opportunities to pause from screen work to do other tasks such as filing or copying. If there are no such natural changes of activity in your job, your employer should plan for you to have rest breaks. It is best if breaks or changes of activity allow the user to get up from their workstation and move around, or at least, stretch and change posture.
Answer: Extensive research has found no evidence that DSE work causes disease or any permanent damage to eyes. However long spells of DSE work can lead to tired eyes, discomfort, temporary shortsightedness and headaches. DSE work is visually demanding, so it can make you aware of eyesight problems not noticed before (including changes in eyesight that happen with age). You can help your eyes by ensuring your screen is well positioned and properly adjusted, and that lighting conditions are suitable. Employers have to assess DSE workstations and correct any defects. You can also ask your employer for an eye test, which could help correct any defects in your vision.
Answer: Portable DSE such as laptops and handheld devices are subject to the regulations if in prolonged use for work purposes. People who habitually use portable DSE should be trained in how to minimise risks, for example by sitting comfortably, angling the screen so it easy to read, and taking frequent breaks. Wherever possible, portable DSE should be placed on a firm surface at a comfortable height. Where portables are in prolonged use at the user’s main place of work, additional steps can be taken to reduce risks e.g. by using a docking station.
Answer: You are entitled to ask your employer to provide an eye test if you are an employee who habitually uses DSE as a significant part of your normal work. This is a full eye and eyesight test by an optometrist (or a doctor). Your employer should arrange for your test and should tell you how to apply. Your employer will only have to pay for spectacles if the test shows you need special spectacles (e.g. ones prescribed for the distance the screen is viewed at). If your ordinary prescription is suitable for your DSE work the employer does not have to pay for your spectacles.
Answer: No. These regulations only place duties on employers in respect of employees (or self-employed persons working in the employer’s undertaking). However, employers have more general duties under other legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 which require work activities to be undertaken in a way that does not create risks to others (such as children or the public).
Answer: Make sure you take adequate breaks and do not sit for long periods in a fixed posture. Put your mouse in easy reach, so you can use it with your wrist straight. Do not work with your mouse arm stretched. Relax; support your forearm on the desk, do not grip the mouse tightly, rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do not press them hard. If you still can’t get comfortable, try a different size or shape of mouse. Your employer should help by providing a range of such equipment.
Answer: An assessment should be done when a new workstation is set up, when a new user starts work, or when a substantial change is made to an existing workstation (or the way it is used). Assessments should also be repeated if there is any other reason to suspect they may no longer be valid - for example, if users start complaining of pain or discomfort.
Answer: Software packages are on the market that can help train users and/or help them make an input to assessments. However they cannot constitute the whole of the assessment. Employers should always ensure that a properly trained assessor goes over the results of users’ assessments (whether these are software based or done by other means such as a paper checklist). The assessor’s role is to clarify any doubtful points, provide any necessary feedback to users, and ensure that any problems identified by the assessment are put right e.g. by changes to the DSE or workstation.
Answer: Train users about the risks in DSE work and how to avoid these by safe working practices. For example training should cover good posture and changing position; how to adjust chairs and other furniture; organising their desk space to work comfortably; adjusting the screen and lighting to avoid reflections and glare; breaks and changes of activity; contributing to risk assessments; and how to report problems. You should also tell users about the general arrangements you have made for health and safety in their DSE work, and how they can apply for an eye test.
