Should smartphones be considered as DSE?

Most people would presume that DSE regulations wouldn’t cover smart technology, seeing as they haven’t been amended for 16 years. However, this is not the case.

Although smartphones weren’t particularly common when the DSE Regulations were last amended in 2002, the regulations define DSE as “any alphanumeric or graphic display screen regardless of the display process involved”, which is inclusive of tablets and smartphones.

Even though it is technically considered DSE, there is very little guidance on risk assessments for smartphones, despite the increased usage of mobile phones for work.

Standard practice for DSE is that users should take regular breaks to stretch their hands, arms, and shoulders & to refocus their eyes on distant objects to stop the user from straining their eyes.

Online DSE Training

If you wanted to find out more about how to keep yourself safe when using display screen equipment, you can take a look at our Online DSE Training course.

It covers your physical and visual health in your workplace, stress that can be caused by incorrect use of your DSE & it goes into extra detail about portable devices and how they can cause health problems if not used correctly.

The CPD Accredited & IOSH Approved course only takes around 25 minutes to complete and provides you with a printable certificate upon completion.