Display Monitors: Laws And Unique Regulations Explained

Display monitors are a common feature of modern life, from computers to vehicles. There are laws that specifically govern the use of display monitors in certain contexts, such as in vehicles and workplaces. For example, the Show or Display rule in the United States exempts certain privately imported automobiles from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards if they are deemed to have historical or technological significance. In Texas, there are laws that prohibit the use of video display devices within the driver's view while the vehicle is in operation. Additionally, health and safety regulations, such as the Display Screen Equipment Regulations in the UK, aim to protect workers who use display screen equipment by ensuring employers provide safe working conditions and comply with legal requirements. These laws highlight the importance of responsible display monitor usage and the potential consequences of misuse.

Display screen equipment regulations

Display screen equipment (DSE) regulations are laws that apply to employers and workers who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more. These regulations are designed to protect workers from the health risks associated with using DSE such as PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Health Risks

Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to health issues such as pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists, and hands, as well as fatigue and eye strain.

Employer Responsibilities

To comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers must:

• Perform a DSE workstation assessment
• Reduce risks, including ensuring workers take breaks from DSE work or do something different
• Provide an eye test if a worker requests one
• Provide training and information for workers

Worker Responsibilities

Although the regulations place the majority of the responsibility on employers, workers also have a role to play in maintaining their health and safety when using DSE. This includes:

• Taking regular breaks: It is important to take short breaks during prolonged periods of DSE work to rest the eyes and body.
• Adjusting the workstation: Workers should know how to adjust their workstation to ensure correct posture and reduce discomfort.
• Reporting issues: If workers experience any health issues or discomfort due to DSE use, they should report it to their employer.
• Following training: Workers should participate in any training provided by the employer to ensure they know how to use the DSE correctly and safely.

Display screens in vehicles

In New South Wales, Australia, the rules are more comprehensive. According to Rule 299 Road Rules 2014 (NSW), it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a television receiver or visual display unit either inside or on a vehicle while it is moving or stationary (but not parked) if the image on the screen is visible to the driver from their normal driving position or is likely to distract another motorist. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Visual display units can be used as an aid for the driver if they are an integrated part of the vehicle's design, secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, or a mobile data terminal fitted to a police or emergency vehicle. Additionally, visual display units are permitted on buses when used as destination or bus signs.

The penalties for breaching these rules in NSW can result in a penalty notice or on-the-spot fine of $344, along with three demerit points. If the breach involves distracting another driver, the fine remains the same, but no demerit points are incurred. Individuals receiving this penalty notice have the option to 'court-elect', where they can plead 'guilty' or 'not guilty' before a Local Court Magistrate.

Display screen safety

Regulations for Employers

Employers are responsible for ensuring that workstations meet the required health and safety standards. This includes providing eye tests and reimbursements for all employees who are regular DSE users. Employers must also provide training and information for employees to ensure they are aware of the risks and how to mitigate them. It is also the employer's duty to carry out a workstation assessment for workers who use DSE on a daily basis for more than an hour at a time. This assessment should consider the whole workstation, including equipment, furniture, and work conditions, as well as any special requirements of staff, such as those with disabilities. Where risks are identified, employers are responsible for taking steps to reduce them.

Regulations for Employees

Employees also have a role to play in ensuring display screen safety. It is important for employees to be aware of the health risks associated with incorrect DSE usage and poorly designed workstations. These risks include pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists, and hands, as well as fatigue and eye strain. Employees should be encouraged to take breaks or switch to a different type of work for a period of time to reduce these risks. If employees are hot-desking, they should carry out a basic risk assessment, especially if they change desks regularly.

Display Screens in Vehicles

The usage of display screens in vehicles is also subject to specific laws and regulations. For example, in Texas, using TV screens or other signal-receiving devices in vehicles is allowed as long as the screen is not visible to the driver. Similar legislation exists in Ontario, Canada, where certain exemptions are made for law enforcement officers, other enforcement officers, and specific public and commercial functions. These exemptions often require that the display screen be placed securely in the vehicle so that it does not move while the vehicle is in motion.

Display screen health

Some of the main health risks of using DSE include musculoskeletal problems, headaches, and eye fatigue. Musculoskeletal issues can affect the arms, neck, and back, and are often caused by bad posture, incorrect seat setup, and an improperly arranged workstation. To prevent these issues, it is important to set up your workstation correctly. This includes adjusting your chair height so that your knees are in line with or lower than your hips, placing your screen and keyboard directly in front of you, and keeping your forearms horizontal while typing.

Headaches can be caused by prolonged close proximity to display screens, screen glare, and inadequate screen contrast and brightness settings. To reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, it is recommended to position your screen at arm's length and to reduce screen glare by using window blinds and adjusting the angle of your monitor. Additionally, it is important to adjust the contrast and brightness levels of your screen to suit your environment.

Eye fatigue, or tired eyes, is another common issue associated with regular DSE use. Similar to the causes of DSE-related headaches, having your screen too close or with incorrect contrast and brightness settings can contribute to eye fatigue. To prevent this, ensure that your screen is positioned at a comfortable distance and that the contrast and brightness settings are adjusted appropriately. It is also helpful to look away from your screen regularly. While DSE use has not been linked to a deterioration in eyesight, employers are legally obligated to offer eye tests and provide basic glasses if specifically prescribed for DSE use.

To maintain display screen health, it is recommended to take breaks from DSE work and incorporate non-DSE tasks into your day. Additionally, there are stretches that can be done at your workstation to prevent DSE-related complications. Display screen equipment training is also a valuable tool for understanding and mitigating the risks associated with DSE use.

Display screen laws by region

Display screens are governed by various laws and regulations that vary by region and context. Here is an overview of display screen laws in different regions:

North America

In the United States, there is a general lack of federal-level restrictions on the use of display screens in vehicles. However, individual states have the authority to implement their own regulations. For example, Texas has the Texas Transportation Code, Section 547.611, which prohibits the use of television screens and other signal-receiving devices in vehicles if they are visible to the driver while the vehicle is in operation.

Europe

The European Union has implemented Directive 90/270/EEC, which outlines the minimum safety and health requirements for working with display screen equipment. This directive applies to workers who use display screens daily and for extended periods. Employers are obliged to conduct risk assessments, provide training, and ensure breaks to reduce health risks.

Canada

In Ontario, Canada, there are regulations in place regarding display screens and hand-held devices in vehicles. The law outlines specific exemptions for certain individuals, such as law enforcement officers and other authorized personnel, who are permitted to use display screens while driving under certain conditions.

United Kingdom

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations in the United Kingdom apply to workers who use display screens daily and for continuous periods of an hour or more. Employers are required to conduct risk assessments, provide eye tests when requested, and ensure that workers take breaks to reduce potential health risks.

Frequently asked questions