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The University is duty bound to evaluate the risks associated with any activity that could potentially cause harm, ill health or damage. Working at a display screen/PC can, if you continually experience discomfort, lead to musculoskeletal aches and pains, headaches and stress to name but a few, therefore it is imperative that a risk assessment is completed for this activity, which is contained in Section 7 below. The University manages the risks by ensuring that staff (and PhD students) complete the training, which is available below and then complete a self-assessment form. [Note that this form is only required to be completed under UK legislation by employees which will include PhD students who work for the University]. This form is the first part of the risk assessment process but this may suffice if the risks are being controlled and no discomfort is being experienced by the user of the display screen equipment. For others, there will be a necessity for a DSE Assessor to carry out a more thorough evaluation of the risks. This normally is conducted where a person has a pre-existing medical condition, and/or where the controls that have been put into place are insufficient to control the risks (or prevent discomfort). Even if you are a student here, it would be beneficial for you to take a look over this guidance, as it is likely that you will spend alot of time whilst at the University working on a computer - the general principles will still apply, only you will not be required under legislation to complete a risk assessment.
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As a general rule of thumb it is recommended that you pay attention to your own body - change posture when you are experiencing discomfort, take regular breaks (5 minutes in every half an hour for example) and regularly look up to avoid consistantly staring at your screen. These will all help you to reduce pain and discomfort if you have a lengthy day (or night) ahead of you at a workstation. Refer to
Postural Exercises section to help stretch out your muscles when working at your computer.
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Start by studying
Figure 1 which gives correct arrangements for your workstation.
Note: The vertical back with good lumbar support and the wrists and forearms which are horizontal and stress free during typing. Print Figure 1 as required.
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Instructions on how to obtain a good seating position, positioning of your mouse and keyboard, screen height, the importance of changing posture and working with any accessories e.g document holder, wrist rests and headsets, etc. are all contained within the
Working with Computers Guidance which can help you set up your workstation appropriately.
Guidance for use of laptops is also available to enable you to establish some safe arrangements around working with these.
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For
further essential training and self certification use the programmed learning course “
Keep FIT” designed by the IT Learning Link of Birkbeck College (30 minutes). Take the quiz and print out a certificate of competence when you pass (70% or higher). To access step 5 after "keep FIT" click on Home and re-enter Safety Office web site.
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Finally please print and record any actions to take in
DSE Risk Assessment for your workstation. This will normally be a self assessment. If you are a member of staff or PhD student, return a copy to your Health and Safety Advisor together with your certificate of competence and discuss any problems you may have. There are also a number of trained DSE Assessors available that can help you to make adjustments should these be recommended. In addition, advice is available via the Occupational Health Department for those who have additional health conditions that need to be taken into consideration, should this be necessary. Should this be required, it is recommended that the Health and Safety Advisor is contacted in the first instance.
