Understanding Musculoskeletal Risks with Display Screen Equipment: Insights from HSE Research

In light of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2024 report, “Reviewing and Updating the Evidence Base on the Hazards and Risks for Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Visual Problems Regulated by the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations,” both employers and employees are encouraged to recognise and address the potential musculoskeletal (MSK) risks associated with DSE use. Common MSK-related issues include back, neck, shoulder, and upper limb pain, as well as visual problems like blurred vision, eye flickering, watery or tired eyes, and headaches. Recognising and addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Key Hazards Related to DSE Include

Prolonged Use:

Working at screens for extended periods can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of upper limb disorders, especially with more than five hours of screen time.

Poor Workstation Design:

Inadequate desk and chair setups can result in awkward postures, contributing to strain on muscles and joints.

Awkward Postures:

Holding unnatural positions is linked to increased risk of MSK symptoms, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs.

Insufficient Breaks:

Without regular, frequent breaks, fatigue can set in and worsen discomfort. Studies indicate that scheduled breaks alone may not provide adequate recovery.

Work Environment:

Issues like poor lighting and glare can lead to visual discomfort and strain.

Work Organisation:

Tasks requiring repetitive motions can increase the risk of developing MSK issues.

Individual Vision Defects:

Inappropriate eyewear, such as bifocal glasses not suited for DSE distances, can exacerbate visual discomfort.

Work Patterns:

Consistently working without adequate breaks limits recovery time for muscles and eyes.

The Role of Employers

Employers can play a vital role in reducing DSE-related risks by:

Providing well-designed workstations: Ensure desks, chairs, and screens are ergonomically set up to minimise strain.
Encouraging regular breaks: Promote frequent, short breaks rather than relying only on scheduled breaks.
Promoting comfortable postures: Encourage employees to adjust their postures and avoid awkward positions.
Improving the work environment: Address issues like lighting and glare to reduce visual strain.
Organising work effectively: Minimise repetitive tasks where possible and allow for varied movements.

By fostering an environment that prioritises health and wellbeing, employers can help reduce the incidence of MSK-related issues such as back, neck, shoulder, and upper limb pain, as well as visual problems like blurred vision, eye flickering, and headaches. Taking proactive steps to address these issues can also minimise sick leave, reduce presenteeism*, and promote a more engaged and productive workforce.

Proactive Steps for Employees

Employees can help protect their health by:

Setting up an ergonomic workstation: Adjust the desk, chair, monitor, keyboard, and mouse to support a comfortable and upright posture that prevents slouching and strain.
Taking frequent, short breaks: Aim for microbreaks every 30 minutes to prevent fatigue.
Managing lighting and glare: Ensure the workspace is well-lit and adjust screens to reduce glare.
Using appropriate eyewear: Consult an optometrist if experiencing visual strain; proper eyewear can make a difference.
Eye breaks: Use the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to reduce eye strain.

For more detailed insights and recommendations, you can read the full report from the HSE here.

Stay proactive about health and wellbeing while working with screens!

For those looking to enhance workplace health and wellbeing, consider our DSE Services, which include comprehensive DSE Assessments, CIEHF Accredited one-day DSE Workstation Assessor Training, and holistic Wellbeing Workshops. These offerings are designed to create a safer and more productive work environment, addressing not only musculoskeletal health but also overall wellbeing.

*Presenteeism: The loss of productivity when employees are physically present at work but unable to function effectively due to illness, injury, or other conditions. Despite being at work, these employees may struggle to perform their duties fully and are more prone to making mistakes.