Display Screen Equipment Assessments
The health and safety risks from display screen work are not extreme. However, there is a risk of ill health if workstations are not set up correctly and work is not managed.
The ill-health effects associated with display screens include:
» Visual discomfort (eye fatigue and headaches)
» Upper limb disorders, collectively known as musculoskeletal disorders such as; carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
» Aches and pains (back, shoulder, neck or wrists)
» Stress (physical and mental)
The risk of suffering from these conditions depends upon the working environment, how the workstation is set up, how it is used and how the work is organised. Unsafe uses of display screens include:
» Working with poor posture
» Working for too long without a break or change of position
» Poor working environment
» Poor management of workload 
Vision Problems
Vision problems, headaches or eye fatigue, (usually sore, irritated or tired eyes), can be the result of working too long without a rest from screen work, an environment that is too dry or glare on the screen. Headaches or eye fatigues can also be related to existing eyesight conditions. Because display screen work can be intense or involve looking at a screen for prolonged periods, it can aggravate existing eye condition. Also, most people’s eyes deteriorate as they grow older and because display screen work involves concentrating on a screen for long periods, it can be a strain on the eye muscles. Contact lens wearers may suffer from eye irritation when using display screens. This can be caused by a dry atmosphere or because display screen users tend to blink less.
Other Health Problems
General fatigue or minor aches and pains are usually the sign that a workstation is not set up or used correctly. However aches and pains may also indicate other problems. Many of the musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow start with a numbness, tingling or aching in the hands, fingers or limbs. These conditions may be aggravated by work and may only become evident during a working day. Backache for example, may indicate poor posture, but it may also be related to other work or an existing back condition. Anyone who suffers from these types of problems must report to their manager or supervisor and arrange for some medical advice as soon as possible.
There has been a lot of publicity about work related stress recently. Display screen work can be stressful because of the increased pace or pressure, or due to poorly organised workload. If systems do not function properly this can also lead to increased stress levels. These problems can be overcome by; training, correct use of the workstation and good organisation of work. Where problems persist then medical help should be sought.
Adopting a good posture and regularly changing positions is the basic key to preventing aches and pains. Learning to use and adjust chairs properly is important and so is practicing good posture. However sitting in one position will cause discomfort after a while. Every opportunity should be taken to change position, but always to return to an upright sitting posture.
Legislation and Assessing the Risks
The Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 and the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 place a responsibility on employers to manage the health and safety of computer users. Equally, employees also have a responsibility for their health and safety and should adopt good practice to protect themselves.
Under this legislation risk assessments should be carried out on computer users in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions, particularly regarding possible risks to eyesight, physical problems and mental stress. HBI’s Workplace Health Division can assist, providing independent advice and a bespoke service to suit individual client needs.
