Our aim is to raise awareness of good practice in Display Screen Equipment (DSE) work and promote appropriate steps to reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) symptoms, such as taking appropriate breaks or changes of activity.
Work with DSE can be associated with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders – such as aches and pains in the neck, shoulder, back or upper limb. In most cases these symptoms are not serious, but a minority of DSE workers take time off work to recover. Given the very large numbers of DSE workers, this may amount to a significant number of working days lost. In a few cases, particularly of upper limb disorders (RSI), individuals may be seriously affected and have to give up DSE work.
Employers whose office workers use DSE intensively, for example in large offices (such as those in financial services) or call centres.
MSD symptoms are frequently reported by people who work with a computer keyboard or mouse. Complying with the law on DSE work should help prevent symptoms becoming more serious. It is particularly important for spells of intense DSE work to be broken up by frequent short breaks or changes of activity that allow workers to move around and avoid static postures.
Raise awareness of MSD risks in DSE work and how to reduce them through visits to a sample of workplaces. To maximise impact it would be appropriate to concentrate on larger offices and call centres.
MSDs throughout 2008/09 as part of normal inspection regime.
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Detailed legal advice for employers. Includes advice on portable DSE and work with a mouse or similar device. |
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Practical, illustrated advice suitable for smaller employers. |
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Free leaflet with practical advice for employers and employees. |
| General advice on MSD and prevention. | |
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Guidance for inspectors on the DSE Regulations. |
| Detailed advice on call centres for LA inspectors and other stakeholders. |
