Frequently asked questions
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Computer eye strain has become a major job-related complaint due to the length of time many employees are required to be at their desks on their PC’s. Problems can range from physical tiredness, increased number of errors to eye twitching or red eyes. The first thing you should do is book an eye test to make sure that nothing is seriously wrong. Your optician should then be able to advise the best solution for you whether that is to use computer eyewear, modify your workstation, take more breaks or exercise your eyes.
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If users request an eye test from an employer because they have to use DSE, then the law states the employer must arrange and pay for one. They must also provide employees with glasses if they need them for DSE.
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Yes DSE applies to laptops. DSE can also apply to desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
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Wrist exercises Finger exercises Using a mouse all day requires you to use the same small muscles in your wrists and hands over and over again while you scroll, click and travel with your mouse. Ensure your mouse is in reach of your arms when they are at a 90-degree angle to prevent reaching for the mouse and straining.
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Having multiple screens can cause more eye straining and muscle pain as you are constantly twisting between the 2. Two screens should be sat side-by-side and the outer edge of each screen should be twisted towards you. If you use one as the main screen more often, this should be sat in front of you and the other screen should sit to the side. They should be at the same height and the same size (where possible).
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Employers need to assess employees workstations to determine any risks associated with DSE. A DSE Assessment checklist should be used to give guidance on how employees workstations should be set up and whether any action needs to be taken. Employers also need to pay for any sight test employees to require from DSE use.
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The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 applies to DSE
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Employers have to provide health and safety training for their employees including DSE Training and DSE Assessments. This should include how to avoid risks associated with DSE and should encourage good DSE practices like good posture.
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DSE regulations still apply to people who work from home even if the workstation is not supplied by the employer. Employees working from home can be trained to undertake their own risk assessment at home.
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It is not just your PC that you need to ‘set up’ but your whole workstation. You need to make sure that how you are working is not going to have a negative impact in the future. Knowing how to set up your workstation and acting on this knowledge is a simple but effective way of improving posture and increasing your comfort, well-being and efficiency at work.
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DSE work can’t cause any long-term or permanent damage to your eyesight, but it can lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs. If you are experiencing back or neck pain, firstly, talk to your employer as they should provide you with Display Screen Equipment training to make sure your workstation is set up correctly. If you have done this but are still getting pain at work you may need to look into your daily routine and start taking more frequent breaks to do some stretches. For persistent pain, you should always see your physician.
Documents & other resources
Posters
DSE – The New Normal
By constantly reminding yourself about your posture, you will create a good natural posture. Place this poster in your workplace to remind your staff how they should be sat at their desk!
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Posters
DSE – Check your posture
This resource would be useful to have as a poster in your office to remind people about their posture. Constantly being reminded about your posture might enable you to adopt a healthier posture.
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White Papers/Guides
Workstation & Equipment Cleaning
The average work desk is 400 times dirtier than the average toilet seat… yuk! Ensure that employees have a clean and tidy workstation to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
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Forms/Checklists
DSE & Workstation Checklist for Staff
A printable checklist for staff including questions on their monitors, chairs, mouse, keyboard, laptops and the environment around them.
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