Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
What is classed as DSE?
The definition of DSE covers both conventional display screens and other types such as flat-panel screens, laptops, touch screens and other similar devices.
Who do the DSE regulations apply to?
These regulations are to protect both employed and self-employed persons who fall into the category of a DSE user. They do not apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or for short periods of time.
Who is classed as a DSE User?
A person would generally be classified as a DSE user if they regularly (more or less daily) use DSE for continuous or near continuous periods of one hour or more at a time.
These regulations are to protect users whether they are employed to work:
- at their own employer’s workstation
- at another employer’s workstation
- at a workstation at home
Part-time workers should also be assessed using the same criteria.
What responsibilities do companies have?
As an employer there is a need to assess the risks associated with using DSE equipment and any special needs of individual staff. The assessment should identify what changes need to be made and the employer should then ensure that the appropriate action is taken.
If there are fewer than 5 employees, there is no requirement to keep a written record, although this can be helpful for future reference; if there are 5 or more employees, there is a requirement by law to write it down.
In addition to analysing workstations to assess and reduce risks, companies with DSE users must also:
- provide information and training
- ensure controls are in place
- provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and special spectacles if needed
- review the assessment when required
When do DSE risk assessments need to be reviewed?
DSE assessments need reviewing when:
- users change workstations
- major changes are made to the furniture, equipment, work environment or software
- the nature of work tasks changes considerably
- the controls in place are thought to be causing other problems
- there is a change to DSE worker population
- there is a substantial increase in the amount of time required to be spent using DSE
- if the workstation is relocated
- if there are reports of ill-health due to DSE work
How can Positura help companies comply with DSE regulations?
All workstation assessments carried out by Positura include a DSE risk assessment, if required. Following the assessment, we can provide a completed DSE workstation checklist form, and depending on the level of ergonomic assessment selected, we may also provide recommendations for equipment or products, or help with setting up the workstation. If a DSE assessment needs reviewing, Positura can attend your premises to carry out the review and again provide a written summary.
