Work with display screen equipment

Essentials

• Work with display screen equipment causes some workers excessive strain around the neck and shoulder area and the upper limbs. The associated symptoms are often transient and disappear when away from work.
• Some problems, particularly those around the neck, shoulders, hands and eyes, may persist and have a harmful effect on the worker’s well being and work ability.
• Many of the problems are avoidable, or at least may be alleviated, by improving both the ergonomics of the workstation and the adopted work habits.

Problem areas associated with display screen equipment

• Problems may be caused by
  • sitting in the same position for long periods
  • repetitive hand movements and prolonged use of the mouse
  • inappropriate design or position of the keyboard or mouse
  • hand positions that are uncomfortable and unsupported
  • hunched shoulders or a craned neck
  • eyesight associated problems
  • lack of breaks.
• Environmental factors, such as lighting, temperature, air quality and the design of the workstation, also have an effect on the well being of the workers.

Prevention of problems

• The ergonomics of the workstation as well as visual ergonomics should be properly planned.
• The work should be well organised and tasks varied.
• The workload should be optimally distributed.
• The worker should receive training in information technology and the use of the equipment.
• Breaks should be built into the work routine; a break should be taken at least once an hour. The aim should be to move around or relax during the work day whenever it feels natural and fits in with the work.
• A worker of advanced age (usually over 40 years) may need special work glasses particularly adjusted for display screen work.
• A Council Directive 90/270/EEC on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment is available .

Eye and eyesight tests

• An employer must arrange eye and eyesight testing for workers who use display screen equipment.
• In accordance with the above mentioned Council Directive workers are entitled to an appropriate eye and eyesight test carried out by a person with the necessary capabilities
  • before commencing display screen work
  • at regular intervals thereafter and
  • if the worker experiences visual difficulties which may be due to display screen work.
• Follow-up tests are performed as considered necessary by the occupational health service.
• Employees are entitled to an ophthalmological examination if the results of the test show that this is necessary.
• A pre-employment eye test
  • An occupational health nurse should carry out vision screening with the aid of appropriate equipment. The eyesight should be sufficient for the intended work either without glasses or with appropriate corrective glasses.
  • If necessary, an optician or an ophthalmologist should test the eyesight.
• Eyesight tests at regular intervals are necessary for workers over 40 years of age because of presbyopia. As a general rule, the tests are needed every 3–5 years. The aim of periodical eye tests is to identify the need for change of glasses, or other appliances, due to the normal aging process. The prescription of glasses is part of general health care but, in occupations where eyesight is important, the checking of the suitability and renewal of glasses is considered part of health promotion at work.

Special appliances

• The employer has an obligation, if necessary, to provide the employee with special glasses or other corrective appliances suitable for work with display screen equipment.
• Special work glasses may be defined as glasses that differ from normal glasses in strength, lens type or installation of the lenses. Even if the person wears the glasses only at work they are not considered as special appliances if they do not differ from normal glasses.
• Main rules
  • If possible, the workstation should be designed so that the employee may use his/her normal glasses.
  • The special work glasses should provide the employee good vision at all distances.
  • Occupational health staff should be consulted to ensure efficient co-operation. They should also inform the treating ophthalmologist or optometrist about the dimensions of the employee's workstation.
  • Special referral forms are available to assist the seamless co-operation between the occupational health staff and vision care providers.
• Action
  • If an employee has problems with vision, the occupational health staff should assess
    • whether the workstation can be redesigned so that the employee can manage with his/her normal glasses and
    • whether the vision of the employee has been optimally corrected.
  • If necessary, the employee should be referred to an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for examination. Based on this examination, occupational health staff will assess the need for special glasses.

Related resources

• Cochrane reviews
• Other Internet resources
• Literature