Part 4: Working with display screens at home

Most home office workers use computer equipment to carry out their work. Here, the safe use of display screens is an important consideration for employers.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 place a duty on employers to ensure that display screen equipment used by workers is safe and does not affect the user's health.

It is particularly important that homeworkers are able to adjust their workstation to a comfortable position and are advised to take regular breaks from work. This will help prevent undue tiredness. Also, remembering to stretch and change position regularly can help to reduce tiredness and prevent pains in the hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back.

Display screens should be placed where lighting does not cause reflections or glare on the screen. It is equally important for homeworkers to view the screen comfortably and they may need different spectacles in order to do this. Homeworkers should consult their GP or an optician if in doubt. Display screen users can request an eye examination and eye test from their employer.

The HSE provides the following basic checklist for employers when assessing the risks to homeworkers from use of display screens:

> Is the screen clear and readable, and without flicker?

> Is the screen free from glare and reflections?

> Are the brightness and contrast controls properly adjusted to prevent eyestrain?

> Is there suitable lighting so that the fine detail on the screen can be seen and read?

> Is the keyboard placed in the right position to allow the homeworker to work comfortably

> Is the screen and computer clean; is it free from dust and dirt?

> Can the chair be adjusted to the right height so that work can be done comfortably?

> Is the display screen placed at the right angle on the desk to allow work to be done comfortably, for example without having to make any awkward movements?

> Is there enough space under the desk to allow free movement?

> Is there enough space in general so that the homeworker can move freely between the work on the desk and the workstation?