An ergonomic approach to workstation and job design is required. Combined with good information for DSE users, the main risks associated with such work will be reduced. In addition, it should, almost invariably, enhance performance and productivity as well as improve workers’ health and safety.
Analyse workstations, and assess and reduce risks
Employers should look at: the whole workstation including equipment, furniture, and the work environment; the job being done; and any special needs of individual staff (whose views may be sought as part of the assessment).
Where risks are identified, the employer must take steps to reduce them.
Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Control
Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements
These requirements are good features that should normally be found in a workstation:
- adequate lighting (1 and 2);
- distracting noise minimised (3);
- legroom and clearances to allow postural changes (4);
- window covering (5);
- screen: stable image, adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections,
- adjustable (6);
- software: appropriate to task, adapted to user, provides feedback on system status, no undisclosed monitoring (7);
- keyboard: usable, adjustable, detachable, legible (8);
- work surface: allow flexible arrangements, spacious, glare free (9);
- work chair: adjustable (10); and
- footrest (11).
Plan work so there are breaks or changes of activity
The need for breaks depends on the nature and intensity of the work, therefore there is no specific timing or length for breaks or changes of activity. However, the guidance on general principles recommends short, frequent breaks. These are more effective than longer, less frequent ones. Ideally the individual should have some discretion over when to take breaks.
On request arrange eye tests, and provide spectacles if special ones are needed
Employers should provide and pay for an eye and eyesight tests. This is a test by an optometrist or doctor. There is also an entitlement to further tests at regular intervals; the optometrist doing the first test can recommend when the next should be.
Employers only have to pay for spectacles if special middle distance spectacles are needed and short or long
distance spectacles cannot be used.
Provide health and safety training and information
Information should be provided about DSE health and safety. This should include general background information. It should also cover more specific details of the action taken to reduce risks and the arrangements for breaks.
Employers should also provide training to make sure employees can use their DSE workstation safely, and know how to avoid health problems, e.g. by adjusting the chair.
Software
Software should be suitable for the task, adaptable for the user and provide feedback.
Laptops
‘Laptop’ and other portable computers have to be compact enough to be easy to carry. These result in design compromises, e.g. smaller keyboards and screens, that force poor postures. This makes portable computers less comfortable and higher risk in prolonged use than normal DSE.
Where possible, the use of portable computers for long periods should be avoided when full-sized equipment, or a ‘docking’ station is available. A docking station may consist of a full size adjustable screen, a keyboard and a mouse.
Training for people who habitually use a portable computer should focus on how to minimise risks, e.g. sitting comfortably, angling the screen so it can be seen clearly with minimal reflections, and taking frequent breaks if work is prolonged. Wherever possible, portables should be placed on a firm surface at the right height for keying.
Using a mouse
Intensive use of a mouse, trackball, or similar pointing device may give rise to aches and pains in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or shoulders. This can also happen with a keyboard, but mouse work concentrates activity on one hand and arm (and one or two fingers), and this may make problems more likely. Risks can be reduced by adopting a good posture and technique.
There is a need to take breaks from work where there is intensive use of a mouse and short breaks are ideal.
Taken from Connaught’s NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety course notes from the Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Control element.
For more information on the NEBOSH Certificate click here
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