Workstation Health and Safety (DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT)

Risk Assessment

RISK FACTORS YES NO THINGS TO ACTIONS TO TAKE

(X) (X) CONSIDER
(completed by
Individual following
discussions with
their manager)

DISPLAY SCREENS

Are these characters clear Yes Make sure the screen

and readable? is clean and cleaning
materials are made
available
Check that text and
background colours
work well together.

Is the test size Yes Software settings may

comfortable to read? need adjusting to
change text size.

Page 1
H&S DSE Template for Staff Sep 2010
Is the image stable i.e.
free from flicker and jitter?
Are the brightness and/or
contrast adjustable?
Does the screen swivel
and tilt?
Is the screen free from
glare and reflections?
Are adjustable window
coverings provided and in
adequate condition?
55281077.doc
Yes Try using different screen
colours to reduce flicker,
e.g. darker backgrounds
and lighter text.
If the problems still exist,
inform the Office Manager
who will arrange the setup
to be checked by the
equipment supplier.
Yes Separate adjustment
controls are not essential
provided the user can read
the screen easily at all
times.
Yes Swivel and tilt need not be
built in; you can add a
swivel and tilt mechanism.
However, you may need to
replace the screen if:
swivel/tilt is absent or
unsatisfactory.
Yes Use a mirror placed in front
of the screen to check
where reflections are
coming from.
You might need to move the
screen or even the desk
and/or shield the screen
from the source of
reflections.
Screens that use dark
characters on a light
screen.
Yes Check that the blinds work.
Blinds with vertical slats can
be more suitable than
horizontal ones.
If these measures do not
work, consider anti-glare
screen filters as a last resort
and seek specialist help.
Page 2
KEYBOARDS

Is the keyboard separate No This is a requirement, Laptop

from the screen? unless the task makes it
impracticable (e.g. where
(Unless you are using a
there is a need for a laptop).
laptop).

Does the keyboard tilt? No Tilt need not be built in. Laptop

Is it possible to find a Yes Try pushing the display

comfortable keying screen further back to
position? create more room for the
keyboard, hands and wrists.

Does the user have good No Training can be used to Working on it

keyboard technique? prevent:
(Ask a colleague to − Hands bent up at wrist
comment on your
− Hitting the keys too hard
positioning).
− Overstretching the
fingers

Are the characters on the Yes Keyboards should be kept

keys readable? clean. If characters still
can’t be read, the keyboard
may need modifying or
replacing.
Use a keyboard with a matt
finish to reduce glare and/or
reflection.

MOUSE / TRACKBALL ETC

Is the device suitable for Yes If the user is having

the tasks it is used for? problems, try a different
device. The mouse and

Page 3
55281077.doc

Is the device positioned
close to the user?
Is there support for the
device user’s wrist and
forearm?
Does the device work
smoothly at a speed that
suits the user?
Can the user easily adjust
the software settings for
speed and accuracy of
pointer?
SOFTWARE
Is the software suitable for
the task?
55281077.doc
trackball are general-
purpose devices suitable for
many tasks, and available
in a variety of shapes and
sizes.
Alternative devices such as
touch screens may be
better for some tasks (but
can be worse for others).
Yes Most devices are best
placed as close as possible,
e.g. right beside the
keyboard.
Training may be needed to
prevent arm overreaching.
Tell users not to leave their
hand on the device when it
is not being used.
Encourage a relaxed arm
and straight waist.
No Support can be gained Take rest in
from, for example, the desk order to
surface or arm of a chair. If recover the
not, a separate supporting wrist and
device may help. forearm
(change
The user should be able to
activity)
find a comfortable working
position with the device.
Yes See if cleaning is required
(e.g. of mouse ball and
rollers).
Check the work surface is
suitable. A mouse mat may
be needed.
Yes Users may need training in
how to adjust device
settings.
Yes Software should help the
user carry out the task,
minimise stress and be
Page 4
 user-friendly.
Check users have had
appropriate training in using
the software.
Software should respond
quickly and clearly to user
input, with adequate
feedback, such as clear
help messages.

FURNITURE

Is the work surface large Yes Is the work surface large

enough for all the enough for all the
necessary equipment, necessary equipment,
papers etc? papers etc?

Can the user comfortably Yes Rearrange equipment,

reach all the equipment
and papers they need to
use?
papers etc to bring
frequently used things
within easy reach.
A document holder may be
needed, positioned to
minimise uncomfortable
head and eye movements.

Are surfaces free from Yes Consider mats or blotters to

glare and reflection? reduce reflections and
glare.

Is the chair suitable? No The chair may need Take rest in

repairing or replacing if the order to
Is the chair stable?
user is uncomfortable, or recover back
Does the chair have a cannot use the adjustment and legs
working: mechanisms. (change
− Seat back height activity)
and tilt
adjustment?
− Seat height
adjustment?
− Swivel
mechanism?
− Castors or glides?

Is the chair adjusted No The user should be able to Take rest in

correctly? carry out their work sitting order to
comfortably. recover back
and legs

Page 5
55281077.doc
 Ensure that whilst you are (change
using the computer at your activity)
desk, you are maintaining
the natural curve of your
spine. Do not hunch your
back.
Consider training the user in
how to adopt suitable
postures while working.
The arms and chairs can
stop the user getting close
enough to use the
equipment comfortably.
Move any obstructions from
under the desk.
Follow the step by step
guide for achieving a
comfortable sitting position
(see below).

Is the small of the back No The user should have a Take rest in
supported by the chair’s straight back, supported by order to
backrest? the chair, with relaxed recover back
shoulders. and legs
(change
activity)

Are forearms horizontal Yes Adjust the chair height to

and eyes at roughly the get the user’s arms in the
same height as the top of right position, and then
the Visual Display Unit adjust the VDU height, if
(VDU)? necessary.

Are feet flat on the floor, Yes If not, a foot rest may be
without too much pressure required.
from the seat on the backs
of the legs?

ENVIRONMENT

Is there enough room to Yes Space is needed to move,

change position and vary stretch and fidget.
movement?
Consider reorganising the
office layout and check for
obstructions.
Cables should be tidy and
not a trip or snag hazard.

Page 6
55281077.doc
 Is the lighting suitable e.g.
not too bright or too dim to
work comfortably?
No Users should be able to Take rest in
control light levels, e.g. by order to
adjusting window blinds or recover eyes
light switches. (change
activity)
Consider shading or
repositioning light sources
or providing local lighting,
e.g. desk lamps (but make
sure lights do not cause
glare by reflecting off walls
or other surfaces).

Does the air feel No VDUs and other equipment Take rest in
comfortable? may dry the air. order to get
fresh air out of
Circulate fresh air if
the air
possible. Plants may help.
conditioner
Consider a humidifier if (change
discomfort is severe. activity)

Are levels of heat No Can heating be better Adjust air

comfortable? controlled? More ventilation conditioner t
or air-conditioning may be
required if there is a lot of
electronic equipment in the
room. Or, can users be
moved away from the heat
source?

Are levels of noise Yes Consider moving sources of

comfortable? noise, e.g. printers, away
from the user. If not,
consider soundproofing.

The correct posture when writing is very similar to using a PC, except the use of a writing
slope ensures the chin is not tilted too far forwards.

Take frequent breaks (every 30 minutes) or change your activities (plan accordingly) from
your desk and computer screen and try to vary your tasks to ensure you spend the least
amount of time at your computer screen as possible.

SIGNATURES
Serhii Tartakovsky

Page 7
55281077.doc
Employee Full Name
Serhii Tartakovsky
_______________________________

Signature

_______________________________

Manager’s Name
B Baxter
_______________________________

Manager’s Signiture (confirming agreed

action is in place)

_______________________________

OH&S Officer – Full Name

W Hall
________________________________

Signature

________________________________

Date of Review 29 / 09 / 2010 Date of Next Review 29 / 10 /2010

Page 8
55281077.doc