DSE - Display Screen Equipment
Any item of computer apparatus having a screen that displays text, numbers or graphics is referred to as Display Screen Equipment. This term is used to describe monitors such as modern flat screen monitors and older style VDUs (Visual Display Units) and VDTs (Visual Display Terminals).
In some cases, the total cost to an employer of an ill-managed RSI condition can be equivalent of up to 50% of the employee's salary.
DSE has become synonymous with RSI. However it is not the DSE that causes RSI; it is the poor working practices of the 'user' that accompany the use of DSE.
It is therefore recommended by Governmental Health and Safety regulations that all users are risk assessed. Otherwise problems including musculoskeletal disorders, eye fatigue and mental stress can occur.
A 'user' is defined as, "employees who habitually use DSE equipment as a significant part of their normal work" - including self-employed persons in an employer's undertaking (Health and Safety [DSE] Regulations 1992).
The risks to DSE workers can be minimised by following the principles underlying the DSE Regulations and guidance i.e.
- Careful design, selection and arrangement of display screen equipment
- Good design of the user's workplace, environment and task
- Training, consultation and involvement of the user
- A Worksafe UK One-to-One Risk Assessment assesses all aspects of DSE use in an office environment and will dramatically reduce the chances of employees suffering from RSI related illnesses
About Worksafe UK
As you may already know, Worksafe UK is one of the largest Health & Safety Training companies in the UK today including Workstation DSE Risk Assessor Training, Manual Handling Training and Fire Warden Training and Competent Person Training to name a few.
For your peace of mind, all our trainers are highly experienced and each with many years of service in the Health & Safety field. Their experience allows them to go 'off script' where necessary to deal with questions relating to issues specific to your workplace.
Call 0870 118 8000 now for more information.