There are various health and safety issues related to
the use of this equipment in the workplace.
It is defined as a screen used for displaying information such
as text, numbers or graphics.
The laws cover those who use display screen equipment (DSE), such
as Visual Display Units (VDUs), as a significant part of their
normal work.
Those people who only use this equipment occasionally are not
covered by the regulations but employers have a duty to protect
their health.
If you work from home and habitually use a VDU for a significant
part of your normal work then these regulations will apply, but
they do not place any duty on the self-employed.
In these cases they only apply if they are using a workstation
provided by a client employer where they have a duty to assess the
risks.
A VDU user is generally someone for whom most, if not all, of the
following apply:
- They are dependant on the equipment to do their normal job and
alternative means of doing the job are not readily available
- They have no discretion as to whether to use or not to use the
equipment
- They need significant training in the use of the equipment
- They use the equipment for continuous spells of one hour or
more
- They use the equipment on a more or less daily basis
- Fast transfer of data between the user and the screen is
required
- High levels of accuracy are essential and errors would be
critical
However, the laws do not cover the following
equipment:
- Screens whose main use is for the display of films or
videos
- Screens in taxi cabs or vehicles
- Portable equipment not in prolonged use
- Equipment like calculators or cash register with small
displays
- Display screens intended for use mainly by the public
The incorrect use of VDUs can lead to the following types of
injuries:
- Upper limb disorders - such as pains in the neck, arms, elbows,
wrists, hands, fingers, after long periods of use.
- Temporary eyestrain and headaches
- Fatigue and stress
These problems can be avoided by good workplace design which
allows you to work comfortably and by employing good working
practices.
Prevention is easiest if action is taken early before any serious
problems occur.
There is no set legal limit as to how long you should use a VDU but
it is important to take regular breaks.
How long you should work without a break depends on the work you
are doing. Regulations require breaks or changes in activity but do
not specify their timing or length.
Guidance suggests frequent short breaks are better than long
infrequent breaks, for example, five minutes every hour or 15
minutes every two hours.
It is best if the individual has discretion over when the breaks
are taken as they are aware of how they are feeling.
However most jobs frequently involve carrying out other activities
other than VDU work.
In all cases employers where their staff use VDUs must carry out
workstation assessments where they assess the risk posed to their
employees by such equipment.
They need to look at the whole workstation including equipment,
furniture, and the work environment and at the job being done as
this can vary between users.
They need to identify any individual special needs such
as in the case of pregnant workers or those with eye
conditions.
They need to make sure certain minimum requirements are met in
relation to work stations such as the type of chair, lighting and
reflection and glare among other issues.
They should plan the work routine to allow for breaks and provide
eye tests to staff at no extra charge before they become a VDU
user. Tests should be carried out by an optometrist or
doctor.
In addition, tests must be provided if a user experiences
difficulties which could be caused by work on display screen
equipment.
These tests should be repeated periodically and where they identify
a need for special corrective eyewear the employer must ensure this
is provided.
Employers also have to provide training for employees to ensure
they can use their VDU and workstation safely.
The following areas should be considered in user training:
- Risks from display screen equipment
- The importance of good posture and changing position
- How to adjust furniture to help avoid risks
- How to organise their workstation to avoid awkward or repeated
stretching movements voiding reflections and glare on the
screen
- Adjusting and cleaning the screen
- Organising work for activity changes or breaks as
necessary
- Persons to contact for help and to report problems or
symptoms
- How to contribute to the risk assessment of their
work
For more information contact
our Food and Safety
team.
