Display Screen Equipment at Work

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Display Screen Equipment at Work

• Dean Fenton

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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.

3
Why should we conduct risk assessments on
workstations ?

• Legal requirements HSWA 1974 and HS (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.

4
When assessing a workstation what would you
consider about the following

• Display Screen
• Key Board
• Mouse
• Software
• Desk
• Chair
• Environment

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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

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Key Board

• Correctly placed with adequate space
• Symbols legible
  
• Facility to tilt
• Wrist support if required

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Mouse

• Mat free from splits, cracks fraying
  
• Positioned within reach
  
• Used with wrist straight
  
• Room to support forearm on desk

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Software

• Appropriate for tasks required
• Operators trained where appropriate (eg SWIFT)
• Help facilities

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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

10
Chair

• Moveable (casters fitted )
  Adjustable in height tilt
  
• Users forearms approx. horizontal
  
• Eyes same height as top of the VDU

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Environment

• Adequate heating ventilation
  
• Adequate artificial lighting
  Natural lighting able to
  restrict (blinds) Sufficient
  space
  Free of other hazards eg trip hazards
• Noise shouldnt be distracting

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Work station set up
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Work station set up

• 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.
• Screen height and angle should allow comfortable
  head position
• Chair providing adjustable seat height and
  backrest
• 4. Good lumbar support to maintain S- shaped
  spinal curve

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Work station set up

• No undue pressure on underside of thighs and
  backs of knees
• Foot support adjustable in height if you cannot
  rest your feet firmly on the floor
• Clearance under desk for thighs and space for
  postural change
• Forearms approximately horizontal.
• Minimal upward (extension) or downward (flexion)
  deviation of wrists
• 10. Support for wrists, if needed

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Reference

• Workstation Risk Assessment template