1. ATL ADVICE
Working with computers
The law relating to health and safety issues for work with computers is contained in the Health and
Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, which define a ‘user’ as an employee who
habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work.
Though education staff are not usually working at a Checklist for workstations
computer all day, the introduction of planning, The DSE Regulations detail the minimum standards for
preparation and assessment (PPA) time and the workstations, which are summarised below.
electronic marking of examinations have resulted in
increased use of computers. The display
The display should:
There are health problems associated with working with
computers, which include repetitive strain injury, eye • display well-defined characters of adequate size and
strain, back pain and stress. spacing
• have a stable image
Risk assessment • have easily adjustable brightness and contrast
The regulations require employers to carry out a risk
assessment of users’ workstations, which should • tilt and swivel easily to suit the user
consider the entire workstation, including equipment • be free from glare and reflections
and furniture, as well as the work environment, eg • use a separate base for the screen, or an adjustable
lighting, temperature and leg room. The tasks that are table.
being performed at the work station should be
considered as should any special needs of individual
staff. The keyboard
The keyboard should:
Display screen equipment (DSE) risk assessments
should also consider those factors that may contribute • be tiltable and separate from the screen to allow the
to repetitive strain injuries such as: user to adopt a comfortable working position
• have a space in front to provide support for the hands
• sitting in the same position for a long period or arms of the user
• awkward positioning of the wrist and hand in relation • have a matt surface
to the keyboard have clearly legible symbols on the keys.
• high workload for a prolonged period of time
• excessive use of the mouse.
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2. The work surface • health risks
The work surface should: • who to report symptoms to or to contact for help
• provide adequate space for the user • information about the right to eyesight tests.
• have a low reflective surface
• be of adequate size to allow the screen, keyboard, etc Eye tests
to be flexibly arranged Under the regulations, users have a right to eyesight
• have a stable, adjustable document holder, which tests upon starting computer work and at regular
should be at the same level as the screen and at the intervals thereafter, at the employer’s expense. Where
same viewing distance. tests show that the user requires special spectacles or
lenses for computer work, the employer must pay for
The work chair the cost of a basic pair.
The work chair should have a seat that is adjustable in
height, with a seat back adjustable in height and tilt. A Laptop computers
footrest should be available. The work of laptop users should be properly assessed.
As some laptops can be heavy, the assessment ought
The workstation/environment to include the risk of manual handling (ie lifting and
The workstation must do the following: carrying).
• provide sufficient space for the user or the operator to Laptops should be used in proper workstations and not
alter position comfortably on one’s lap, especially if large amounts of data need to
• lighting must be adequate with suitable contrast be inputted. As prolonged use is likely to cause
between the screen and background ergonomic problems, it is even more important for users
to take regular breaks, position themselves correctly,
• glare and reflections on the screen should be avoided flex their arms, etc.
• windows should be fitted with adjustable coverings to
alter the daylight level. If you require further information on this or any other
When a workstation is shared by more than one person, health and safety issue, please contact ATL’s member
it should be assessed in respect of each person. advisor on health and safety by calling 020 7782 1598
or emailing hs@atl.org.uk.
Schools and colleges should consult their safety reps
on all matters concerning work with computers. You can also find lots of advice and information in the
health and safety section of our website at www.atl.org.
uk/hands.
Training in using computers
Employers are obliged to provide information and
training on the health and safety aspects of working
with computers. This should cover:
• the importance of good posture, changing position
and good keyboard technique
• how to avoid glare or bright reflections in the screen
• cleaning and adjusting the screen
• the importance of frequent short breaks
• using a mouse
Need advice?
You first point of contact is the ATL rep in your school/college. Your local ATL branch is also available to help, or you
can contact ATL’s member advisors on 020 7930 6441, email info@atl.org.uk. Don’t forget there’s lots more advice on
ATL’s website at www.atl.org.uk.
© Association of Teachers and Lecturers 2011. All rights reserved. Information on this sheet may be reproduced or
quoted with proper acknowledgement to ATL.
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