RR1205: Reviewing and updating the evidence base on the hazards and risks for musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and visual problems regulated by the Display Screen Equipment Regulations
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 SI 1992/2792 (referred to here as the DSE Regulations) came into force on 1st January 1993. They implemented European Directive No. 90/270/EEC of 29th May 1990 on the minimum health and safety requirements for work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE). The Regulations were introduced to tackle potential ill-health associated with DSE work including, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain and upper limb disorders, and visual problems such as eye fatigue and dryness.
Since the DSE Regulations were first introduced, statistical evidence continues to suggest links between DSE work and negative health consequences. However, there have been major developments including changes in technology and diversified ways of working. Design features of DSE such as screen quality, have improved considerably.
There have been few studies to evaluate the efficacy of the Regulations among duty holders. These suggested a general lack of conviction from employers that the DSE Regulations were addressing an important health and safety issue, and that this had inhibited movement from inaction to action. Secondly, that there was a prevailing misperception that DSE could have a permanent detrimental effect on eyes and eyesight, and that there was no real consensus about anything specific that could be done to improve the Regulations.
HSE commissioned this research to support HSE in carrying out a review of the current DSE Regulations.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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