Display Screen Equipment, or Visual Display Units, are devices which have a graphic display screen. This includes equipment such as desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and similar items.

Users of DSE may experience fatigue, eye strain, limb problems and backache. Normally this is due to overuse of the equipment, poor posture, failing to take adequate breaks and move around, or a poorly adjusted work station and chair. Sometimes it is a combination of all of these factors.

The University’s policy on DSE can be found here. The University is committed to complying with relevant Health & Safety legislation and providing as much assistance to staff as is practicable; however, personal responsibility is required by DSE users to ensure they are minimising potential risks to themselves. Working through the resources provided and following best practice will ensure this.

A significant factor for University DSE users is how well adjusted their work stations and chairs are. We recommend users work through and fill in the Health and Safety Executive’s handy self-assessment: please click here.

It is very important to monitor working habits and take regular breaks from using DSE – long durations in front of a computer can be detrimental. Shorter, more frequent breaks are ideal and may need to be planned in to your working day. Give the following a try:

• Prioritise posture: the above self-assessment contains a pictorial guide to good practice, as does the Posturite website. Comprehensive information regarding ergonomics and work station solutions is also available.
• Change your activity regularly before fatigue sets in – varying tasks can let you move around more.
• Stretch! Simple, useful exercises and guidance can be found on the Posturite website.
• Make sure to frequently re-focus your eyes into the distance and keep them as moist as possible by blinking.

Simple best practice is the key to reducing risk – are you sitting comfortably?

Don’t forget to review your working practices if your workplace changes!

The University has trained local DSE assessors in order to guide you through the process and help with any necessary adjustments. Often this is your local Health & Safety co-ordinator. You can find yours by clicking here.

Assessors only can access the DSE Assessors’ Community by clicking here.

The above advice applies to portable device users, however there are additional things to consider:

• Risk assess the manual handling of the device, especially if you carry it in conjunction with other heavy items.
• Use a docking station and ensure the device is on a firm surface; use a mouse and full-size/compact keyboard wherever possible.
• Adjust the screen tilt and height (with raiser blocks if needed) to ensure a comfortable position with minimal glare.
• If you cannot prevent a temporary awkward position you will have to take more frequent breaks.
• Try to avoid long-term use of such devices unless they are optimally adjusted for you.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website is a free comprehensive resource detailing myriad common ailments and how you can help yourself with exercises.

There is no clinical evidence to suggest your eyesight will be affected by using DSE. As you have read, the majority of problems are ergonomic, which can be rectified with self-assessment, change to working habits and co-operating with your local representative.

If this has been completed and you cannot use your equipment without undue fatigue then you can arrange an eye test with the express approval in advance by the Head of Budget Centre. Note you must be a University employee.

The appointment can be arranged with your local optometrist, with the cost to be borne by the University in arrears – the process varies locally, so please check beforehand. When booking the appointment, you need to mention DSE and know the distance between your eyes and that of your screen. Most tests include this but it is best to have this information handy.

If you do subsequently need spectacles for your computer screen then the cost of test and spectacles will be borne by the Budget Centre. (Should you arrange a test independently without prior agreement, even if it is specifically related to DSE use, you will be responsible for the cost of the test.) The University will pay for a standard frame and lens when it is identified that prescription glasses are required for intermediate distance. The Budget Centre will contribute a maximum of £50 towards more expensive frames or lenses (bifocal/varifocals).