Public Servant Lifestyle

Regulation has proved one of the most important factors with regard to battling Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and its prevention across.

The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations were based on a European directive of May 1990, and became part of British Legislation in 1992, being operative from January 1993, for new workstations, and January 1997, for all workstations.

Basic requirements are:

Display Screen

Clean, stable image, with adjustable contrast and brightness

Screen should also be able to tilt, and swivel, and be free of reflective glare

Keyboard

Must be tiltable, and separate from the screen. Space in front of keyboard must be sufficient to provide support for the user's hands and arms. The surface of the keyboard must be non reflective. Key symbols must be easily legible, and keys arranged to facilitate use.

Work Desk or Surface

Must be sufficiently large to allow a flexible arrangement of screen keyboard, documents and related equipment. The surface of the desk will be of low reflectance. A document holder must be provided, that is stable and adjustable.

Work Chair

Must be stable, and allow freedom of movement. The seat back must be adjustable, in both height and tilt.

Footrests and Wrist Rests

These must be made available to users who want them.

Screen-Breaks/Key-Breaks

Display Screen work must be regularly interrupted by breaks and other activities.

Training

The final, important part of the Health & Safety (Display Screen Regulations) in relation to RSI concerns training.

"An employer must ensure that adequate health and safety training is given to an intended user, before use of the workstation has commenced"

Training should teach users to recognise risks, such as RSI, and how to report problems that arise.

Other parts of the regulations cover the environment, software and eyesight testing.

Failure to comply with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations, certainly suggests negligence on the part of the employer, and can attract a fine of up to £20,000.

Information provided by the RSI Association - visit the website for more detailed information - including an excellent medical glossary of terms a series of downloadable facts sheets, the chance to sign-up for regular email updates, self-help/information pages and details for contacting local support groups.

See also on Lifestyle:

Tests Could Cut RTAs - Regular driver eyesight tests could cut many road traffic accidents, finds report.

NB: As of 2004 the RSI Association no longer exists and is not contactable. The website link above is maintained as a resource only by the Keytools orgainsation - a business who supply equipment to enhance the human-computer interface, with particular reference to people whose livelihoods depend on being able to use a computer for long periods of time. In terms of managing RSI and MSDs, Keytools also produce regular newsletters on musculoskeletal issues amongst computer workers - particularly for professionals working in occupational health. More info is available here.

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