Top 10 Common DSE Risks and How to Avoid Them

Using display screen equipment (DSE) improperly or for prolonged periods of time puts users at risk of discomfort, injury, and long-term health problems.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common problems and how these can be mitigated.

1. Bad posture

Poor posture when using DSE can lead to muscle strain, spine misalignment, and other long-term musculoskeletal issues.

In order to make sure your posture is good, make sure to:

Keep both feet flat, either on the floor or on a footrest
Sit at your desk with your back straight, shoulders relaxed and elbows at a 90-degree angle
Have your monitor set up about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level

2. Eye strain

Looking at a screen for an extended period of time can cause eye strain, which in turn can lead to headaches, blurred vision, dryness, and discomfort.

To avoid this you need to ensure you are taking regular screen breaks – a good rule to follow is the 20-20-20 Rule, which says that every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

To make your screen easier to look at, you can also adjust your screen’s brightness or anti-glare filters to reduce reflections.

3. Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive movements, such as typing or using a mouse, can put strain on your tendons, muscles, and joints, which can cause conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.

There are two ways to combat this risk:

Breaks: Take regular breaks and use this time to do hand stretches to relax your muscles.

Equipment: Position your keyboard and mouse so that they can be used with straight wrists, and consider ergonomic input devices such as split keyboards and vertical mice.

4. Back and neck pain

For specific back, neck and shoulder pain, follow the advice for good posture while also considering investing in a chair with proper lumbar support – this will support the natural curve of your spine.

5. Sedentary lifestyle

Living a sedentary lifestyle puts you at risk of weight gain, poor circulation, cardiovascular issues.

Incorporate more movement into your routine by taking frequent breaks to stand, walk and stretch, adding a pedal exerciser or under-desk treadmill for low-impact movement while working, or sing an adjustable desk to alternate between sitting and standing.

6. Burnout

A combination of limited movement and constant screen exposure throughout the day can lead to mental fatigue and burnout at work.

Regular screen breaks, preferably ones that incorporate some movement should be encouraged, and employees should have a proper break area away from their desk where they can have lunch.

7. Hearing strain/loss

As virtual meetings become more common, headphone use is a more regular occurrence in the workplace – prolonged use of headphones, especially at high volumes, can lead to hearing issues.

In order to combat this, headphone users should follow the 60/60 rule (no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time), and use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid the need for high volume in order to hear their meetings.

8. Stress

A cluttered workspace, and discomfort or pain at work, can lead to stress and anxiety about spending time in the workplace. Be sure to regularly check in with employees, to monitor both their mental wellness and any physical needs in terms of their set up. Make sure they have adequate storage for their own belongings, and that the whole workplace is kept clean and tidy.

9. Face and jaw tension

Poor posture or a clenched jaw while working can lead to tension in the face and jaw – sometimes known as ‘tech neck’.

To prevent this, focus on good posture, ergonomics, and regular breaks. This includes positioning screens at eye level, taking frequent stretches, and strengthening neck and upper back muscles.

10. Poor cable management

Poor cable management puts workers at risk of trips and falls, and can also lead to equipment becoming damaged or broken – keep cables secured and out of the way.