What is display screen work?

Do your employees use a screen with data input (keyboard) during their work? Then they are definitely performing screen work, mainly on a desktop.

Screen work involves constantly repetitive actions of the fingers and hands, and static strain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back.

It is therefore not surprising that it can involve health risks, risks that are best mapped out via a screen work risk assessment.

Display screen work and physical ergonomics

A poor sitting posture during screen work can have major consequences. For example, working with screens can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, where people suffer from their back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. Eye complaints can also arise due to eye fatigue.

Ergonomic work is therefore crucial, and we primarily look at the adjustment of your screen workstation. An ergonomic workplace can prevent many complaints. In this regard, ensure correct adjustment of your desk (chair) and optimal placement of the screen and accessories. 

Read in our blog how to achieve a correctly adjusted screen workstation in four steps.

Avoid prolonged sitting

A correctly adjusted workstation is one thing, but with screen work you often sit still for long periods. The lack of movement can, due to slowed blood circulation, result in various health complaints such as varicose veins, swollen ankles, and even blood clots. Or in less fast and productive thinking. 

It is therefore important to encourage your employees to move regularly or change posture. For example, it is recommended to stand up every 30 minutes and alternate sitting with standing screen work. But even small efforts can make a big difference, such as making phone calls while walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going to the toilet on a higher floor.

Discover our 8 concrete tips to combat prolonged sitting at the workplace. Or check out the movement breaks you can find in the download section.

woman works behind monitor and drinks cup coffee

Office environment: sensory ergonomics

Sensory ergonomics has everything to do with how people hear, see, smell, and feel their environment.

In any case, it is important to regularly evaluate the indoor climate in the office. This includes sound, temperature, air quality, and lighting. Surveying your employees about this can be very interesting for detecting disruptive factors, although measurements and advice on these topics are also part of our offering.

Risk assessment display screen work

It is mandatory to have a VDU work risk assessment performed at least every 5 years, mapping out the physical and mental strain of employees.

This risk assessment takes into account both the group and the individual. Subsequently, the employer must take appropriate measures to prevent or remedy the identified risks.

The VDU work risk assessment is mandatory for every company that employs VDU workers, regardless of the size of the company. Discover in this blog what such a VDU work risk assessment specifically entails.

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Start a display screen work risk assessment

From 20 participants, this can be done through our online survey. If there are fewer than 20 participants, we provide a checklist. 

During the extensive training, employees receive an overview of the risks associated with screen work. Furthermore, they learn how to correctly set up their screen workstation and are taught movement exercises. The workshop focuses on the correct setup of the workstation itself.

The workstations are set up as optimally as possible for the employees concerned. We take into account the possibilities of the workstation and the tasks to be performed. This can also serve as a risk assessment if all VDU workers are included. 

Furthermore, an information session on office design and a webinar for more ergonomic remote working are also among the possibilities.

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