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 now used to describe Monitors, VDUs (Visual Display Units) and VDTs (Visual Display Terminals). The term also applies to the flat screen monitors which are now becoming commonplace.

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.