DSE Risks

The principal health risks associated with DSE work are physical (musculoskeletal) problems, visual fatigue and mental stress (See RSI). These problems often create body fatigue which leads to higher risk and possible early retirement from the job. However risks to users should be greatly reduced if all DSE Regulations are complied with and ergonomic principles are taken into account in the design, selection, installation and use of the equipment; the design of the workplace; and the organisation of the task.

However, even after a Risk Assessment it is important not to be complacent. DSE workers are so numerous that even 'low risk' to the average individual may still equate to many thousands of cases of ill health in the working population. This is turn resulting in millions of pounds of lost productivity.