Display screen equipment

The display screen equipment (DSE) used at computer workstations largely falls into one of two categories:

• liquid crystal display (LCD) equipment, often called "thin film transistor" (TFT) or "flat" screens
• cathode ray tube (CRT) equipment though these products only account for a fraction of new purchases today

Although DSE work in itself does not expose workers to adverse conditions, it can lead to health problems. The causes include tasks requiring high levels of concentration, prolonged, tiring tasks, eyesight problems, poor lighting, glare and non-ergonomic workplace design. These can provoke symptoms such as fatigue, eye problems, headache, muscle tension, back problems, etc. To prevent these symptoms, DSE workstations must conform to health requirements, as set out in the German Workplace Ordinance.

Research projects:

• IFA4202 "Ergonomic study of office workplaces involving multiple display screens or large screens"