Relevant HSE Publications and Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Health and Safety

Q: Can I rely on computer software to do DSE risk assessments and train my staff?
Software packages and paper checklists can help highlight risk and can help train users. However, they cannot substitute the whole of the assessment, and still requires a skilled assessor to go over the results, discuss and clarify any doubtful points with the employee.

Q: What training do I have to give to staff who use DSE?
Train users about the risks in DSE work and how to avoid these by safe working practices, eg good posture and changing position, how to adjust chairs and other furniture, organizing their desk space to work comfortably, adjusting the screen and lighting to avoid reflections and glare, breaks and changes to activity, contributing to risk assessments and how to report problems.

Q: How long and frequent should breaks be in DSE work?
This depends on the kind of work you’re doing. Short frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks, eg 5-10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours. Breaks should allow for a change in the activity of your job, and ideally allow for getting up from your workstation and move around, or at least stretch and change posture.

Q: Do the regulations apply to work laptops or other portable DSE?
If portable DSE such as laptops and handheld devices are in prolonged use for work purposes, the same regulations apply. [source]

Regarding the importance of training:

"The Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974 requires that you provide whatever information, instruction and training is needed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of your employees" – Health & Safety Training – What you need to know, Leaflet INDG345

Regarding Home Working:

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to do a risk assessment of the work activities carried out by homeworkers. The HSE further explains that employers who provide homeworkers with equipment (eg laptops) to carry out their work, should ensure that the equipment is suitable for the job required and proper information and training is given. Regarding VDUs, the HSE recognizes the importance of the homeworker to adjust their workstation to a comfortable position and take breaks from work.
HSE: Homeworking Guidance for employers and employees on health and safety:

"Increased use of information technology over the last two decades has added to the numbers of people working at home. Evidence from national data sets such as the Census and Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicate that the numbers of people working at home are increasing. Analysis of LFS data from 1981 and 1998 shows that the numbers working mainly at home have doubled in that period, from 345,920 (1% of the employed workforce) in 1981, to 680,612 (2.5% of the employed workforce) in 1998 (Felstead, Jewson, Phizacklea and Walters, 2000). These figures are likely to be an underestimate as some homeworkers may be reluctant to admit to homeworking. The increase in homeworking would imply an increase in the associated health and safety issues, thus highlighting the need to address the extent to which current legislation and guidance is effective in protecting those involved in homeworking."
Health & Safety of Homeworkers: Good practice case studies, O’Hara et al 2004

Work Related Illness and Injury Statistics:

The HSE has published a report by the Labor Force Survey on "Self-reported work-related illness and workplace injuries in 2006/7" which indicates that musculoskeletal disorders were the most commonly reported work-related illness. One third of individuals reported suffering from a disorder of the upper limb or neck, while one fifth of individuals reported suffering from a disorder mainly affecting the back.

Of new cases reported, half of these affect the upper limbs or neck, while two fifths of the new cases reported were back problems. On average, people suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder took an estimated 16.7 days off work. For individuals suffering from back pain, the rate was 16.8 days, and for upper limb or neck disorders, the rate was 13.4 days. An estimated 10.7 million working days were lost through work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

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