Posted By Kieran J Duignan Nigel The reason the DSE Regs and the relevant ISO standards are specific about the positioning of a screen is that research doesn't exist to warrant an 'iron' or 'golden' rule. May I suggest that you adopt the approach of a. offering guidance on risks of musculo-skeletal disorders to the neck, shoulders and upper back arising from postural strain b. encouraging DSE users to be physically aware of postural imbalance whatever the source (which could include inadequate lighting or a group discussion around a workstation) c. introducing them to 'pause gymnastik' exercises, which can give relief to the upper limbs through short periods of exercise. The best writings I've found on these matters on Steve Pheasant's 'Ergonomics, Work and Health' (Macmillan, 1991) and 'Body Space' (Taylor and Francis, 1996, 2nd edition). In my experience, undue emphasis is given to the biomechanics in preventing musculo-skeletal problems and not enough to educating users about managing sources of the problems, especially through simple exercises of the kind outlined.

Posted By David Thomas In addition may I suggest that engaging document "Working with VDUs" INDG36. On page 12 there is a drawing of a typical operator and kit, which shows that as stated in the blurb, your eyes should be the same height as the top of the VDU This drawing is what I use to demonstrate the "ideal" position when doing VDU risk assessments, with the proviso that it is eventually up to the individual to find the most comfortable position.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Nigel I'm arguing that 'undue' attention is given to biomechanics for 2 simple reasons 1. the behavioural issues in managing risks of musculo-skeletal pain are commonly totally, 100%, neglected 2. in the same vein, DSE users and other employee's need for elementary understanding of physiology and relevant short exercise is likewise, commonally totally, 100% neglected. There is substantial research, much of it HSE and NIOSH funded, indicating that postural strains and other biomechanical factors contribute to MSDs. As Pheasant (probably the UK's leading specialist in anthropometrics, body measurements) explained, there are several other factors to take into account in appropriate guidance to DSE users. I'm not suggesting that your attention to biomechanics, or David's reference to the HSE guide on VDU, is 'wrong', but simply that, ON ITS OWN, is apt to be misleading unless it is balanced by the additional guidance. 'Both .... and' rather than 'either.... or' is a working principle of safety ergonomics.

Posted By Nigel Hammond Hi Guys Thanks for taking the time to give me your views on biomechanics verses behavioural issues. I'm afraid I'm still confused. I would still be grateful for a simple answer to this question: Does research proove that it is bad for you to look down at a screen for several hours a day?

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Nigel Unfortunately, a simple Y/No answer to a misconceived question is at best misleading. You' means people with enormously varying anatomies, variable taska and unknown levels of understanding of postural risks to which they are exposed as DSE users. When you fill in all these variables, you can then begin to work out some kind of answer. It is valid to suggest that it is very 'bad' i.e. 'high risk' for a safety professional to reduce the safety issues in the manner suggested in your question. Rather than try to square the circle, why not take the approach of educating your people in the safety ergonomics of DSE use? Then, arrange focus groups with the IT decision-maker so that he/she can be accountable to them and to senior management, for the changes in equipment! Confusion is undestandable about this but worth working through at this stage; looking ahead, the introduction of legislation to counter age discrimination in autumn 2006 will trigger off mega, mega problems of the kind you are now facing, and on a scale likely to dwarf those now arising about disability discrimination. I've become a nerd about DSE ergonomics and employee motivation, having done my M Sc ergonomics project on this topic (in the Occupational Health Unit of an organisation employing 10,000) and having since worked as an ergonomic consultant and expert witness with many people suffering from avoidable injuries due to misconceived workstation design and to lack of knowledge on the part of the safety professionals, solicitors and insurers. If you'd find it helpful to have a brief conversation, you are welcome to phone me on 020 8654 0808.