As a user of display screen equipment (DSE), there is legislation called the DSE Regulations which requires that your employer provides you with a suitable workstation, as well as taking steps to protect you from the risks of working with display screen equipment. Using DSE (i.e. PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones) for extended periods or using them incorrectly can result in fatigue, eye strain, upper limb problems, back and neck problems, repetitive strain injury, stress, headaches and more.

VinciWorks’ ergonomics assessment takes employees who work at a desk through a short interactive analysis of their workstation. Take three minutes to complete the assessment while sitting at your desk. The answers to the questions presented in the assessment can be collected and reported using VinciWorks’ online reporting solution.

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What is a display screen equipment assessment (DSE)?

The DSE Regulations require that, as well as providing a suitable workstation for their DSE users, employers must also take steps to protect workers from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE), such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. Looking at these devices for extended periods, or using them incorrectly, can result in fatigue, eye strain, upper limb problems, back and neck problems, repetitive strain injury, stress, headaches and more. It is vital for your long-term health to take DSE safety seriously, set up your workstation properly, and properly use all the equipment you need to do your job. DSE rules are there to protect you and your colleagues’ health.

Improper use of DSE is associated with neck, shoulder, back, arm, wrist and hand pain.

Failure to comply with health and safety laws can result in both civil and criminal penalties. As an employer, if someone has an accident at work or is made ill, a health and safety regulator can prosecute that employer for a criminal offence, and / or the person who was injured or made ill can make a civil claim for damages. No one has to be harmed for a health and safety offence to occur. The risk of harm is enough for an offence.

Legislation

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This law sets out the framework for managing workplace health and safety in the UK.

The act defines the general duties of everyone from employers (section 2) and employees (section 7,8) to owners, managers and maintainers of work premises (etc) for maintaining health and safety within most workplaces.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires all businesses in the UK to provide whatever information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.

Key training responsibilities 

• New recruits need basic induction training into how to work safely, including arrangements for first aid, fire and evacuation
• People changing jobs or taking on extra responsibilities need to know about any new health and safety implications
• Young employees are particularly vulnerable to accidents and you need to pay particular attention to their needs, so their training should be a priority
• Employee representatives or safety representatives will require training that reflects their responsibilities
• Some people’s skills may need updating by refresher training