Display screen advice released by HSE

Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued advice on regulations governing the use of display screen equipment.

Entering into force in 1993 and amended in 2002, the regulations place a number of requirements upon employers, including the need to offer employees both training and information.

"The HSE enforces health and safety law in workplaces such as construction sites, chemical plant, factories, fairgrounds, farms, mines, nuclear and offshore installations and quarries," said the organisation.

"HSE is also responsible for enforcement where the home is the place of work."

Under the terms of current legislation, employers are also required to ensure that eye tests are available free-of-charge upon request and that work patterns are designed to include either task changes or breaks, to give the display user time away from the screen.

The HSE merged with the Health and Safety Commission in April 2008.