There are few jobs in the UK today that do not involve the daily use of some sort of display screen. Indeed, many jobs are almost exclusively carried out with the use of a computer. With new technologies such as tablets also entering the work place in large numbers, it is essential that a DSE assessment is conducted regularly and properly.
Wide scale discomfort
As the use of display screens in all of their forms has risen, so too has the number of DSE related issues. From aches and pains in the back and upper limbs, to discomfort and tiredness in the eye, it seems to be a wide scale problem.
The problem was first recognised more than two decades ago, leading to the introduction of The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Its aim was to protect the health of workers, and it is just as important today as it ever has been.
Practice makes perfect
Naturally, working with any form of display screen is not in itself dangerous, nor does it have to cause problems and discomfort for the users. However, working with such equipment in a responsible and appropriate way is vitally important.
Introducing an effective DSE training plan into the workplace will help. Similarly, making an assessment of each workstation along with a report on individual working practices will be beneficial. Perhaps most important though, is to encourage workers to have regular breaks through the day; particularly after prolonged spells of effort.
When managed correctly, education in how to use any computer, tablet, laptop or even Smart TV can go a long way to helping with the long-term health of a workforce. It also helps to boost productivity and reduce sick days taken, helping the long-term health of a business too.
For more information please visit – www.ohrecruitment.co.uk/dseassessments