Display Screen Equipment at Work

Dean Fenton

What are the Risks to people who regularly use workstations ?

Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) -

ranging from temporary fatigue to chronic soft tissue injuries eg tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Postural – prolonged static posture and awkward sitting position eg twisting are known to cause musculoskeletal problems.

Why should we conduct risk assessments on workstations ?

Legal – requirements HSWA 1974 and H&S (DSE) Regs 1992.

Moral – If a risk assessment is conducted and followed the risks (previous slide) are reduced significantly.

Financial - Less chance of a person being off work sick with WRULD or musculoskeletal disorders.

When assessing a workstation what would you consider about the

following: Display Screen

Key Board

Mouse

Software

Desk

Chair

Environment

Display Screen

Adjust brightness & contrast to suit lighting

Screen surface clean

Screen characters sharply focussed ( no flicker )

Text size – large enough to see clearly

Screen at an appropriate height

Key Board

Correctly placed with adequate space

Symbols legible

Facility to tilt

Wrist support if required

Mouse

Mat free from splits, cracks & fraying

Positioned within reach

Used with wrist straight

Room to support forearm on desk

Software

Appropriate for tasks required

Operators trained where appropriate (eg SWIFT)

Help facilities

Desk

Adequate space to accommodate equipment

Space under desk for leg movement

Provision of footrest (where required)

Set to avoid twisting of the spine and neck

Chair

Moveable (casters fitted ) Adjustable in height & tilt

Users forearms – approx. horizontal

Eyes – same height as top of the VDU

Environment

Adequate heating & ventilation

Adequate artificial lighting Natural lighting –able to restrict (blinds) Sufficient space Free of other hazards eg trip hazards

Noise shouldn’t be distracting

Work station set up

Work station set up

1. Eye to screen distance about 500 to 700 mm. When seated correctly you should just be able to touch the screen with an outstretched fingertip. If a document holder is used it should be placed at a similar distance from the eyes and in the same plane as the screen.

2. Screen height and angle should allow comfortable head position

3. Chair providing adjustable seat height and backrest

4. Good lumbar support to maintain ‘S’- shaped spinal curve

Work station set up5. No undue pressure on underside of thighs and backs of knees

6. Foot support adjustable in height if you cannot rest your feet firmly on the floor

7. Clearance under desk for thighs and space for postural change

8. Forearms approximately horizontal.

9. Minimal upward (extension) or downward (flexion) deviation of wrists

10. Support for wrists, if needed

Reference

Workstation Risk Assessment template