Department of Chemistry - Health and Safety Information

Computer-related Safety - Troubleshooting workstation problems

Are you a DSE user? There is a checklist on this section of the website. If so, have you completed a DSE risk assessment form? Have you already familiarised yourself with the advice on best practice?

Problem Possible cause(s)
Eyestrain, headaches, dizziness Dirty screen
Inadequate lighting
Defective vision
Glare on screen
Flickering screen
Screen brightness incorrectly adjusted
Unclear symbols on keyboard
Screen and/or copyholder at incorrect distance and/or height
Upper limb disorders (wrists, arms, shoulders, neck) Chair at incorrect height
Incorrect wrist position
Desk and/or screen at incorrect height
Incorrect mouse technique
Insufficient or infrequent breaks
Too much DSE work
Backache Poor back support
Screen at incorrect distance
Incorrect posture (especially leaning or twisting
No footrest
Insufficient or infrequent breaks
Lower limb disorders Chair at wrong height and/or angle
No footrest
Tiredness, fatigue, stress, irritability Incorrect daily work routine
General ill-health of user
Incorrect workstation set-up
Incorrect working environment
Management tension
Insufficient exercise
Fire/electrical/trip hazards Inadequate lighting
Loose cables
Cluttered working environment