As part of March’s Hazard of the Month, Senses, we’re highlighting two key areas: Display Screen Equipment and Noise at Work.
Display Screen Equipment
Employers must conduct a workstation assessment for any employees who use display screen equipment daily for an hour or more as part of their regular duties, in accordance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
This assessment should cover:
- A review of the entire workstation, including equipment, furniture, and working conditions.
- An evaluation of the tasks the employee is performing.
- Consideration of any special needs of the display screen equipment user, such as those with disabilities.
- Identification of any risks and the implementation of measures to minimise them.
There are several situations when an assessment should be conducted, such as:
- When a new user joins the company.
- When a new workstation is set up.
- When an existing workstation or its usage changes.
- When an employee experiences pain or discomfort.
Additionally, it is important to recognise that over time, changes are inevitable. Workers may develop new habits, their bodies may change, or furniture may degrade. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly reassess workstations to ensure they remain suitable for their users.
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Noise at Work
Noise in the workplace can lead to hearing loss.
In some cases, such as after leaving a noisy environment, the damage may be temporary.
However, if exposure to noise is frequent, hearing can gradually become permanently impaired.
In some instances, workers exposed to noise may also develop tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing, whistling, buzzing, or humming in the ears, which can interfere with sleep and contribute to stress.
Under the law, employers are required to assess and implement measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of noise exposure to protect their employees’ hearing.
This could involve providing hearing protection, offering clear information, conducting training, using health surveillance, and putting in place any other necessary controls.
If any of the following apply to the noise levels in your workplace, it should be addressed:
- The noise is present for most of the workday (e.g., a consistently busy road or crowded environment).
- The noise comes from impact sources (e.g., pneumatic tools, hammering) or explosive sources.
- Employees are using noisy machinery or powered tools for more than half an hour a day.
- High noise levels are common in your industry (e.g., construction, foundries, engineering).
- Employees need to raise their voices to have a normal conversation when about 2 meters apart for part of the day.
Learn more about noise exposure risks with our Noise at Work online training course. Get 10% off this course with the code ‘senses10’!
Display Screen Equipment and Noise at Work are essential tools in protecting your senses while at work. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these essential courses, available until the end of arch. Simply enter the code ‘senses10’ at checkout to save!
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