WORKSTATION HEALTH AND SAFETY DSE_September 2010

8/7/2019 WORKSTATION HEALTH AND SAFETY DSE_September 2010

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RISK FACTORS YES(X)

NO(X)

THINGS TOCONSIDER

ACTIONS TO TAKE

(completed by Individual following discussions withtheir manager)

DISPLAY SCREENS

Are these characters clear and readable?

Yes Make sure the screenis clean and cleaningmaterials are madeavailable

Check that text andbackground colourswork well together.

Is the test sizecomfortable to read?

Yes Software settings mayneed adjusting tochange text size.

H&S DSE Template for Staff Sep 2010

Workstation Health and Safety (DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT)

Risk Assessment



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Is the image stable i.e.free from flicker and jitter?

Yes Try using different screencolours to reduce flicker,e.g. darker backgroundsand lighter text.

If the problems still exist,inform the Office Manager who will arrange the setupto be checked by theequipment supplier.

Are the brightness and/or contrast adjustable?

Yes Separate adjustmentcontrols are not essentialprovided the user can read

the screen easily at alltimes.

Does the screen swiveland tilt?

Yes Swivel and tilt need not bebuilt in; you can add aswivel and tilt mechanism.However, you may need toreplace the screen if:swivel/tilt is absent or unsatisfactory.

Is the screen free fromglare and reflections?

Yes Use a mirror placed in frontof the screen to checkwhere reflections arecoming from.

You might need to move thescreen or even the deskand/or shield the screenfrom the source of reflections.

Screens that use darkcharacters on a light

screen.

Are adjustable windowcoverings provided and inadequate condition?

Yes Check that the blinds work.Blinds with vertical slats canbe more suitable thanhorizontal ones.

If these measures do notwork, consider anti-glarescreen filters as a last resortand seek specialist help.

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KEYBOARDS

Is the keyboard separatefrom the screen?

(Unless you are using alaptop).

No This is a requirement,unless the task makes itimpracticable (e.g. wherethere is a need for a laptop).

Laptop

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

Is it possible to find acomfortable keyingposition?

Yes Try pushing the displayscreen further back tocreate more room for thekeyboard, hands and wrists.

Does the user have goodkeyboard technique?

(Ask a colleague tocomment on your positioning).

No Training can be used toprevent:

− Hands bent up at wrist

− Hitting the keys too hard

− Overstretching thefingers

Working on it

Are the characters on the

keys readable?

Yes Keyboards should be kept

clean. If characters stillcan’t be read, the keyboardmay need modifying or replacing.

Use a keyboard with a mattfinish to reduce glare and/or reflection.

MOUSE / TRACKBALL ETC

Is the device suitable for

the tasks it is used for?

Yes If the user is having

problems, try a differentdevice. The mouse and

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trackball are general-purpose devices suitable for

many tasks, and availablein a variety of shapes andsizes.

Alternative devices such astouch screens may bebetter for some tasks (butcan be worse for others).

Is the device positionedclose to the user?

Yes Most devices are bestplaced as close as possible,e.g. right beside thekeyboard.

Training may be needed toprevent arm overreaching.

Tell users not to leave their hand on the device when itis not being used.

Encourage a relaxed armand straight waist.

Is there support for thedevice user’s wrist and

forearm?

No Support can be gainedfrom, for example, the desk

surface or arm of a chair. If not, a separate supportingdevice may help.

The user should be able tofind a comfortable workingposition with the device.

Take rest inorder to

recover thewrist andforearm(changeactivity)

Does the device worksmoothly at a speed thatsuits the user?

Yes See if cleaning is required(e.g. of mouse ball androllers).

Check the work surface is

suitable. A mouse mat maybe needed.

Can the user easily adjustthe software settings for speed and accuracy of pointer?

Yes Users may need training inhow to adjust devicesettings.

SOFTWARE

Is the software suitable for the task?

Yes Software should help theuser carry out the task,minimise stress and be

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user-friendly.

Check users have had

appropriate training in usingthe software.

Software should respondquickly and clearly to user input, with adequatefeedback, such as clear help messages.

FURNITURE

Is the work surface large

enough for all thenecessary equipment,papers etc?

Yes Is the work surface large

enough for all thenecessary equipment,papers etc?

Can the user comfortablyreach all the equipmentand papers they need touse?

Yes Rearrange equipment,papers etc to bringfrequently used thingswithin easy reach.

A document holder may beneeded, positioned tominimise uncomfortablehead and eye movements.

Are surfaces free fromglare and reflection?

Yes Consider mats or blotters toreduce reflections andglare.

Is the chair suitable?

Is the chair stable?

Does the chair have aworking:

− Seat back height

and tiltadjustment?

− Seat heightadjustment?

− Swivelmechanism?

− Castors or glides?

No The chair may needrepairing or replacing if theuser is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustmentmechanisms.

Take rest inorder torecover backand legs(changeactivity)

Is the chair adjustedcorrectly?

No The user should be able tocarry out their work sitting

comfortably.


recover backand legs

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Ensure that whilst you areusing the computer at your

desk, you are maintainingthe natural curve of your spine. Do not hunch your back.

Consider training the user inhow to adopt suitablepostures while working.

The arms and chairs canstop the user getting closeenough to use theequipment comfortably.

Move any obstructions fromunder the desk.

Follow the step by stepguide for achieving acomfortable sitting position(see below).

(changeactivity)

Is the small of the backsupported by the chair’sbackrest?

No The user should have astraight back, supported bythe chair, with relaxed

shoulders.

Take rest inorder torecover back

and legs(changeactivity)

Are forearms horizontaland eyes at roughly thesame height as the top of the Visual Display Unit(VDU)?

Yes Adjust the chair height toget the user’s arms in theright position, and thenadjust the VDU height, if necessary.

Are feet flat on the floor,without too much pressure

from the seat on the backsof the legs?

Yes If not, a foot rest may berequired.

ENVIRONMENT

Is there enough room tochange position and varymovement?

Yes Space is needed to move,stretch and fidget.

Consider reorganising theoffice layout and check for obstructions.

Cables should be tidy and

not a trip or snag hazard.

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Is the lighting suitable e.g.not too bright or too dim to

work comfortably?

No Users should be able tocontrol light levels, e.g. by

adjusting window blinds or light switches.

Consider shading or repositioning light sourcesor providing local lighting,e.g. desk lamps (but makesure lights do not causeglare by reflecting off wallsor other surfaces).


recover eyes(changeactivity)

Does the air feelcomfortable?

No VDUs and other equipmentmay dry the air.

Circulate fresh air if possible. Plants may help.

Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe.

Take rest inorder to getfresh air out of the air conditioner (changeactivity)

Are levels of heatcomfortable?

No Can heating be better controlled? More ventilationor air-conditioning may berequired if there is a lot of electronic equipment in the

room. Or, can users bemoved away from the heatsource?

Adjust air conditioner t

Are levels of noisecomfortable?

Yes Consider moving sources of noise, e.g. printers, awayfrom the user. If not,consider soundproofing.

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

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

SIGNATURESSerhii Tartakovsky

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

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Employee Full NameSerhii Tartakovsky_______________________________

Signature

_______________________________

Manager’s NameB Baxter _______________________________

Manager’s Signiture (confirming agreed

action is in place)

_______________________________

OH&S Officer – Full NameW Hall________________________________

Signature

________________________________

Documents

WORKSTATION HEALTH AND SAFETY DSE_September 2010