Work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) account for 6.9 million missed working days. Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to any device or piece of equipment with an alphanumeric or graphic display screen, including traditional display screens and those utilized in developing technologies such as laptops, touch screens, and other similar devices. The goal of a DSE evaluation, like any risk assessment, is to identify hazards and assess the likelihood and degree of harm to persons using the equipment.
The danger of utilizing screens in the workplace is assessed during a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) examination. All employers should ensure their workstation is assessed to reduce the number of risks. Back problems from improper posture or headaches from staring at a screen for too long are two examples of potential dangers.
How Frequently Should A DSE Assessment Be Performed?
A DSE exam should be repeated whenever employees begin to report any discomfort or bodily pain as a result of being at their desks.
A DSE evaluation assesses how a user utilizes display screen equipment to detect and reduce health hazards such as musculoskeletal injury, repetitive strain injury, eye strain, and work-related stress.
A DSE evaluation considers how display screen equipment is utilized, the arrangement of the desk or workstation, the user’s posture while working, the working environment, and the applications used.
It makes no difference where the work is done; the risks posed by DSE are the same everywhere. If you have a fixed desk where you spend most of your time each day, you may customize your workspace to meet your specific demands.
It is critical to review your workstation set-up frequently since changes in your body may require modification in your desk or chair configuration.
When workstation equipment cannot be modified to obtain proper posture, the dangers are raised. Upper limb diseases, backache, weariness, and stress, as well as momentary eye strain and headaches, can all be exacerbated by incorrect posture.
When employing DSE, there is no legal advice on how long or how frequently breaks should be taken; hence, there is no legal guidance. It is dependent on the type of employment that you perform.
It is possible to get up from your workstation and move around, or at the very least stretch and modify your posture when there are breaks or variations in inactivity.
Short breaks should be taken frequently rather than lengthier ones taken less frequently.
For example, a five to ten-minute break every hour is preferable to twenty-minute break every two hours.
In an ideal world, you would also be able to select when you take your breaks, yet in some cases, predetermined intervals must be enforced due to the nature of the task being performed.
It is feasible to take a break from DSE to work on almost every job to perform other duties, such as attending meetings or making phone calls. In the absence of naturally occurring fluctuations in activity levels in a position, managers should schedule rest periods.
What Is The Importance Of A DSE Evaluation?
An employer must conduct a DSE evaluation to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities under health and safety regulations. Employees who spend a significant amount of time in front of a display screen should take a DSE evaluation.
You will enhance your employees’ health and well-being, maintain or boost productivity, minimize the chance of injury and pain, and reduce absenteeism by doing the exam and educating them on proper workstation setup. Following the completion of the evaluation, an action plan may be created to address the employee’s requirements and to avert any possible dangers in the future.
Employers should actively encourage employees to take short regular breaks from their workstations and take opportunities to move from a seated position to avoid fatigue, eye strain, and many other issues associated with sedentary posture and/or workstation use, in addition to completing a DSE assessment.
Who Would Benefit From A DSE Evaluation?
If you fall into one of the following groups, you may need a DSE evaluation:
- You are assigned to a certain workstation.
- You are a mobile worker who works from home.
- If you switch workstations frequently (hot-desking).
Who is in charge of the evaluation?
Employees make use of a simple form or software solution to conduct an initial self-assessment of DSE utilization. Individuals who have been properly trained should next examine and follow up on the results of this evaluation. Because the assessor must be able to recognize dangers related to workstation layout and provide suggestions, proper training is essential for properly evaluating an assessment. It’s also critical to properly communicate the assessment’s results and convey the information to those who need to take action.
Is a DSE Assessment Required By Law?
Employers are required to conduct risk evaluations of workstations used in the workplace under both general Health and Safety rules and special requirements about DSE usage.
According to the regulations, “every employer should do a proper and adequate examination of workstations that:
- Are utilized by the user for his task.”
- Have been given by him and are utilized by operators for his undertaking.”
So, following this Health and Safety legislation, you should evaluate each workstation in your company, including co-working spaces, remote working, and hot-desking.
Who needs DSE evaluation?
Employees using DSE as a substantial component of their daily work routine. Employees work at a desk station for an hour or more every day. Under Section 72 of the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employees have the right to workstation review. They must also take pauses or modify their routines away from the DSE regularly.
Their employer must tell them their entitlement to an appropriate eye and vision test (or may choose either) before working with DSE and at regular intervals. If an employee encounters visual trouble when working with a DSE. Employees must be instructed on how to use the workstation and provided information on ergonomics, health, and safety issues.
What Are the Health Consequences of DSE?
When working with screens, there are a variety of health hazards associated with prolonged use. Some of the hazardous effects associated with extended usage of Display Screen Equipment include:
- Fatigue
- Upper Limb Issues
- Discomfort and pain
- Strain in the eyes
A variety of circumstances – lack of mobility, improperly placed workstations, posture, working habits, and so on, can cause these problems.
