August 4, 2003—The new edition of the UK Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) popular guide to working with computer monitors explains British employers’ legal obligations to help ensure that visual display units (VDUs) do not cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or other health problems such as stress and visual discomfort in employees who use them. The booklet also gives revised practical advice on working with a mouse, taking into account the latest research results.
The new edition of Working with VDUs takes account of minor changes to the law that came into effect in September 2002, as a result of the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002. It also draws more attention to the vital role of employees and safety representatives in taking part in risk assessments and reporting any health problems to employers. The HSE stresses that the earlier any problems are reported and tackled, the less severe they are likely to be, and that taking preventive action is usually easier and less costly than ignoring MSDs, which may lead not only to compensation claims, but also to costs arising from sickness absences and reduced productivity.
Single copies of Working with VDUs (INDG36 rev2) are available free from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787 881165 or fax: 01787 313995. This booklet is also available in priced packs of 10, ISBN 0-7176-2222-3.
In addition to the free booklet, two priced HSE guidance booklets on VDU work are available from the HSE: The law on VDUs: an easy guide HSG90, ISBN 0-7176-2602-4, price 8.50, is aimed at small businesses and contains illustrated, practical advice on avoiding risk from using ordinary office computers, while Work with display screen equipment (L26), ISBN 0-7176-2582-6, price 8.95, discusses the issues in full technical and legal detail and is aimed at large firms and health and safety professionals. Both are available from HSE Books.
