Display screen equipment (DSE)
Display screen equipment (DSE) includes computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Employers must ensure their employees are protected from potential harm and ill-health as a result of using them.
The Law
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply to workers (users) who use DSE daily, for an hour or more at a time. The regulations do not apply to people who only use DSE for a short time or infrequently.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
What do I need to do?
Employers need to carry out a risk assessment of the workstation which involves the individual user, then put in place suitable controls to minimise the risks identified.
In addition to assessing the workstation, users must be given time for beaks away from the screen, be offered an eye test if they ask for one and be given information, instruction and training on the use of the equipment.
Detailed guidance including an assessment checklist is available on the Health and Safety Executive website; Working safely with display screen equipment.