ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? The majority of office workers have a large box sitting on their desk: the ubiquitous PC. Some use it occasionally, some on and off during the day and others hardly seem to take their eyes off the screen. But is it good for us or could we be setting ourselves up for future medical problems? Like everything else, it all depends on how we use the equipment. If we are sensible then there are no major recorded problems; some of us might suffer the odd niggle or two but these can quickly be resolved, or indeed prevented from happening in the first place, by taking the right precautions. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (amended in 2002) are designed to help users avoid the most common problems with display equipment. VDUs have been blamed for a whole host of health problems but in fact, only a very small proportion of users suffer adverse effects. Interestingly these are more often caused by the way the equipment is being used rather than by the units themselves. The five key points to watch for are: * Seating * Keyboard position * Using a mouse * Reading the screen * Posture and breaks The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) publish a very handy, free booklet giving advice on all of these issues which can be downloaded from their website at: HSE Display Screen Equipment handbook Alternatively, give David Associates a call on 01908 370303 and we will come and survey your office and give your and your staff advice on how to prevent those little niggles. ******

COVER UP Did you realise that raincoats are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE)? If they are provided as protection against the weather then they are! PPE is defined as: all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work which protects him (or her) against one or more risks to his health and safety. This covers items such as * Safety helmets * Gloves * Eye protection * High visibility clothing * Safety footwear * Safety harnesses In fact, most items are covered by the PPE regulations but some are also covered by more specific rules: * Hearing protection * Respiratory protection equipment * Cycle helmets * Crash helmets An employer must provide PPE free of charge to his workforce, whether it is returnable or not and all PPE must be CE marked. The equipment must also be maintained at the expense of the employer, well looked after and properly stored. Specification, supply, control and monitoring of these items are covered by separate regulations. Confused? You may well be! Again, the HSE has a free leaflet outlining the regulations and its requirements which can be downloaded from: PPE Regulations If you would prefer a more personal assessment, David Associates would be delighted to don their protective clothing and pay a visit to your premises. Call today on 01908 370303 for an appointment. ******

This newsletter can only cover health and safety topics in general. All information is believed to be correct at the time of going to press. David Associates cannot be held responsible for any interpretation of the above information. For specific interpretation please call David Associates on 01908 370303 or 077 13 14 16 17

If you have any comments or would like to suggest topics for future editions of the newsletter, please contact us at: newsletter suggestions
Sincerely,
David Joyce MIIRSM Tech IOSH
Health and Safety Consultant
David Associates Ltd