DSE WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Regulation 1 - Citation, commencement, interpretation and application

What is display screen equipment and what’s not?
In simple terms all modern day computers are included. This is defined under the regulations as: “any alphanumeric or graphic display process used” e.g. traditional cathode ray tube monitors, flat screen monitors, microfiche. Those items excluded are, Drivers cabs or control cabs for vehicles, DSE on transport, DSE for public operation only, calculators and cash registers, windows type writers. What is a workstation?
For the purpose of the regulations a workstation exists wherever there is DSE in prolonged use. The workstation is defined as the assembly including the screen, keyboard and other parts of the computer, desk, chair and the immediate work environment.
Laptops used alone without peripheral equipment such as a separate keyboard and mouse do not comply with the H&S DSE Regulations. Who is a display screen user and therefore requires a workstation assessment?
If employees fall into either or both of the following then they are considered a display screen user and require a workstation assessment.

• Someone who has continuous spells of at least one hour or more using display screen equipment
• Someone who uses display screen equipment on a daily basis

Application of the regulations

• Home workers who fall into either of the points above are considered users and will require a workstation assessment.
• Some people may be considered ‘operators’ rather than users, these include self employed people who work at an employer’s workstation and whose use of DSE is such that they would be a user if employed
• Agency workers using DSE as per the points above will fall under the regulations and the responsibility of the host company, however the agency that employs them would be responsible for eye tests and general health and safety training.

Regulation 2 – Analysis of workstations to assess and reduce risks

Suitable Workstation Assessment processes
A suitable workstation assessment will first identify hazards and then evaluate risks and their extent. The assessment should be completed by someone who has been trained in the requirements of the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992. In addition it is advantageous for the assessor to have knowledge in anatomy and physiology. The workstation assessment will highlight any areas that give reason for concern. Risks identified must be remedied as quickly as possible. Problems may include postural, visual fatigue & stress.

Regulation 3 – Requirements for Workstations

Below is a summary of the basic minimum requirements (but not exhaustive list) for all workstations within companies in the UK.

• Adequate lighting
• Minimal distracting noise
• Leg room and clearance for postural changes
• Window coverings as required
• Appropriate software
• Appropriate screen & keyboard
• Appropriate work surface, suitable for users needs
• Suitable chair adjusted to users’ needs

Regulation 4 – Daily work routines of users

Breaks and changes in activity should be planned into the users daily routine, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that their employees are able to take regular breaks and have their tasks planned in such a way to give variety throughout their working day.

Regulation 5 – Eyes and Eyesight

Employers are required to provide users who so request it, with an appropriate eye and eyesight test.
Normal corrective appliances are glasses prescribed for general use, not purely for DSE work.
Special corrective appliances are glasses prescribed purely for use during DSE work i.e. at the distance that an individual would view and work at a DSE Workstation. (Only 10% of DSE users will need special corrective appliances).
Therefore normal corrective appliances are at the user’s expense and special corrective appliances are at the employer’s expense

Regulation 6 – Provision of Training

Employers should ensure that all users (whether they make use of the employer’s workstations or are required to use other workstations) have been provided with adequate and suitable health and safety training, (in the form of a workstation assessment and training session). As with all training this should be recorded in training logs and/or DSE Workstation assessment documentation. Specific Display Screen Equipment training should be specific to the tasks (software used) undertaken by the employee and be adapted to the user’s skills. All health and safety training should be aimed at reducing or minimising musculoskeletal injuries, visual stress and stress or fatigue. Training will therefore include but not be limited to:

• Training in appropriate seated posture
• Training in correct adjustment of furniture and arrangement of items within the workstation
• Training in the need to take advantage of breaks and changes in activity

Regulation 7 – Provision of Information

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide employees with relevant levels of information on the following things:

• Risks from display screen equipment and workstations
• Workstation Assessments
• Breaks and work routines
• Eye and eyesight tests
• Initial workstation training
• Further training after workstation modification

The level of information required varies depending on whether the employee is a user or operator and whether they are self employed or employed by the company.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - Read More

Health and Safety offences Act 2008 - Read More

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