Evaluating the Health Risks of Mobile Users @ Work:
The Importance of DSE Compliance
In the UK, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE) mandate employers to ensure the well-being of employees using display screen equipment. With smartphones increasingly being used for work-related tasks, do we need to assess the risks more routinely? Let’s look at the facts.
Why are we using Smartphones?
The technology behind smartphones continues to evolve rapidly, bringing new capabilities and efficiencies to the workplace. Advanced features like high-resolution cameras, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) applications are transforming how we perform tasks, from virtual meetings to data analysis and project management. The integration of 5G technology has further enhanced connectivity and speed, enabling more seamless remote work and collaboration. As these devices become even more sophisticated, their role in our professional lives will only grow. Smartphones are not just a source of distraction; they are powerful tools that significantly enhance productivity and communication.
Do Smartphones fall under DSE Regulations?
When the DSE regulations were written in 1992 and last amended in 2003, smartphone technology did not exist as it does today. However, the legislation was forward-thinking and has to be applied;
“Mobile phones and personal organisers that can be used to compose and edit text, view images or connect to the Internet. Any prolonged use of such devices for work purposes will be subject to the DSE Regulations and the circumstances of such cases will need to be individually assessed. It cannot be assumed that such devices, having much of the functionality of full-sized DSE, are excluded because their screens are ‘small’.”
The DSE regulations apply to any device with a display screen used habitually for significant work tasks. “For more than an hour a day, intensely or more or less daily.” Recent studies show:
- 75% of employees use their smartphones for work-related tasks (Enterprise Apps Today).
- 48% of workers use their phones for work purposes for at least one hour every day (Jobstik).
- The average employee spends over 2 hours per day on non-work-related activities, indicating substantial additional time spent on work-related use (GitNux).
These statistics highlight that smartphones are integral to modern work environments, making it essential to address their use under DSE regulations.
The Risks of Smartphone Use for Work-Related Tasks
Develop Text Neck Syndrome. Prolonged use of smartphones can lead to poor posture and repetitive strain injuries. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), such as "Text neck" occur from looking down at a phone for extended periods, causing neck and back pain. This bent neck position places a huge load onto the cervical spine and vertebral discs. Leading to increased tension on the supporting muscles and ligaments and over time will likely cause vertebral discs to herniate or bulge. Loading the neck in this way can also cause nerve pathways to become restricted resulting in referred pain and neuropathic symptoms into the arms, hands and fingers.
Eye Strain: Staring at small screens for long periods can cause digital eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. The intense focus required for reading small text on smartphones exacerbates these issues.
Stress and Mental Fatigue: The constant connectivity enabled by smartphones can increase stress levels. Notifications and the pressure to respond promptly can lead to mental fatigue and burnout, particularly when employees feel compelled to remain available outside of working hours.
Are you including the use of smartphones in your DSE assessments?
Ensuring compliance with DSE regulations and discouraging extensive smartphone use for work can create a healthier, more productive workplace.
For more detailed guidance on managing the health risks associated with smartphone use and ensuring compliance with DSE regulations, contact DSE Solutions. Our experts provide tailored DSE Assessor training and support to help you create a safer and more productive work environment. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist you with all your DSE-related needs.
