Transcript Slide 1
Display Screen Equipment at Work Dean Fenton What are the Risks to people who regularly use workstations ? Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) ranging from temporary fatigue to chronic soft tissue injuries eg tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Postural – prolonged static posture and awkward sitting position eg twisting are known to cause musculoskeletal problems. Why should we conduct risk assessments on workstations ? Legal – requirements HSWA 1974 and H&S (DSE) Regs 1992. Moral – If a risk assessment is conducted and followed the risks (previous slide) are reduced significantly. Financial - Less chance of a person being off work sick with WRULD or musculoskeletal disorders. When assessing a workstation what would you consider about the following: Display Screen Key Board Mouse Software Desk Chair Environment Display Screen Adjust brightness & contrast to suit lighting Screen surface clean Screen characters sharply focussed ( no flicker ) Text size – large enough to see clearly Screen at an appropriate height Key Board Correctly placed with adequate space Symbols legible Facility to tilt Wrist support if required Mouse Mat free from splits, cracks & fraying Positioned within reach Used with wrist straight Room to support forearm on desk Software Appropriate for tasks required Operators trained where appropriate (eg SWIFT) Help facilities Desk Adequate space to accommodate equipment Space under desk for leg movement Provision of footrest (where required) Set to avoid twisting of the spine and neck Chair Moveable (casters fitted ) Adjustable in height & tilt Users forearms – approx. horizontal Eyes – same height as top of the VDU Environment Adequate heating & ventilation Adequate artificial lighting Natural lighting –able to restrict (blinds) Sufficient space Free of other hazards eg trip hazards Noise shouldn’t be distracting Work station set up Work station set up 1. Eye to screen distance about 500 to 700 mm. When seated correctly you should just be able to touch the screen with an outstretched fingertip. If a document holder is used it should be placed at a similar distance from the eyes and in the same plane as the screen. 2. Screen height and angle should allow comfortable head position 3. Chair providing adjustable seat height and backrest 4. Good lumbar support to maintain ‘S’- shaped spinal curve Work station set up 5. No undue pressure on underside of thighs and backs of knees 6. Foot support adjustable in height if you cannot rest your feet firmly on the floor 7. Clearance under desk for thighs and space for postural change 8. Forearms approximately horizontal. 9. Minimal upward (extension) or downward (flexion) deviation of wrists 10. Support for wrists, if needed Reference Workstation Risk Assessment template