Display screen equipment (DSE)

Prolonged use of this equipment has been known to cause ill-health effects. These include fatigue, temporary eyestrain, headaches, backache, and cramps. More disabling conditions can also occur in some circumstances.

The likelihood of experiencing these ill-health effects depends on a range of factors. These include the frequency and duration of use of the equipment; the intensity and pace of the work required; and if there are long spells of continuous use. Other factors, such as the amount of discretion a person has over the extent and methods of use, can also contribute.

You may need to:

• complete workstation risk assessments, reviewing these if there is a significant change or if they are no longer valid
• implement adequate precautions to reduce any risks based upon the assessments made
• make sure that workstations meet specified standards
• plan work so that users can take suitable breaks or change their activity as appropriate
• provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and special spectacles if needed
• provide appropriate information and training for staff and others
• document your arrangements for preventing injury from display screen equipment, keeping certain records.