Text Neck: A New Priority for UK Employers
Evaluating the Health Risks of Mobile Device Use at Work
In the UK, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to protect the health and wellbeing of employees who use screens for work. But in today’s mobile-first world, are we doing enough to include smartphones in that protection?
With more employees using their phones for emails, messaging, note-taking and document reading, "text neck" and other posture-related issues are on the rise. It’s time to take a closer look.
Why Are We Using Smartphones at Work?
Smartphones have become indispensable tools in many modern roles. With high-resolution cameras, remote access, cloud syncing, 5G connectivity and even AI-powered productivity tools, they’re enabling everything from virtual meetings to real-time project management.
These devices are no longer just distractions, they are essential work tools. But are our policies keeping up?
Do Smartphones Fall Under DSE Regulations?
Although the DSE regulations were created before modern smartphones existed, they were written broadly enough to cover evolving technology:
“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...”
If smartphones are used habitually and for extended periods (e.g. more than an hour a day), then DSE compliance is required. And research shows that this is more common than many think:
75% of employees use smartphones for work tasks
48% use them for work at least one hour daily
The average employee spends 2+ hours a day on non-work tasks, suggesting total use is even higher
(Source: Enterprise Apps Today, Jobstik, GitNux)
The Health Risks of Smartphone Use for Work
1. Text Neck Syndrome
Looking down at a phone repeatedly places excessive load on the neck and spine. Over time, this may lead to:
Muscle tension and ligament strain
Bulging or herniated discs
Nerve compression and referred pain in the arms, hands or fingers
This posture-induced issue is now widely recognised in medical literature as a modern musculoskeletal disorder.
2. Eye Strain and Visual Fatigue
Prolonged focus on small screens can lead to digital eye strain (also called Computer Vision Syndrome). Symptoms include:
Dry or irritated eyes
Blurred vision
Headaches
Light sensitivity
3. Stress and Mental Fatigue
The “always on” nature of mobile work leads to increased stress, poor work-life balance and digital burnout. Push notifications, constant messages and work expectations outside of office hours all contribute.
Are You Including Smartphone Use in Your DSE Assessments?
If your employees are regularly using phones or tablets for work tasks, this should be part of your DSE review. Consider:
Raising screens using monitor arms or stands to prevent slouching
Offering DSE assessments that include mobile use
Providing arm and wrist supports to reduce contact stress
Training employees on posture, screen use and safe habits, ask about our DSE assessor training
Conclusion
Smartphone use at work isn’t going away, but the risks of poor posture, eye strain and digital fatigue are real. Including mobile devices in your DSE policy is a simple but effective way to support employee wellbeing and compliance.
To learn more about managing mobile-related strain or updating your assessments, book a free consultation with one of our specialists today. Or if you prefer, call us on 0113 8312107 or email info@dsesolutions.co.uk.