Safe use of computers

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 concern the safe use of Visual Display Units ( VDU ) and Digital Screen Equipment ( DSE ).

Employees are legally considered to be a user of such equipment if:

• They depend on the VDU or DSE to do their job
• They have no discretion as to whether or not to use the VDU or DSE
• They require training in the use of VDU or DSE to do their job
• The VDU or DSE is used daily and for periods of an hour or more at a time
• The fast transfer of information to the VDU or DSE is a job requirement
• The use of the VDU or DSE involves a high level of concentration

Employers have special obligations toward employees working with VDUs and DSEs. They must:

• Analyse workstations to ensure that employees are not put at risk and improve facilities - for example, providing adequate seating or proper light levels - when required and plan their daily work routine in such a way that they have periodic interruptions from using the equipment
• Pay for an appropriate eye or eyesight test and any spectacles, or an appropriate proportion of the cost if spectacles are needed specifically for VDU or DSE work
• Provide adequate training and information regarding health and safety in the use of DSEs and VDUs, teaching employees the risks of using such equipment and the steps to minimising those risks such as taking regular screen breaks

 For comprehensive guidance, see The Law on VDUs: An easy guide.

The Health and Safety Executive also has a checklist to help you conduct a risk assessment on VDU workstations.

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