Screen work that is strictly controlled, restricted or repetitive should not normally occur. For example, it could involve surveillance work where the employee is tied to the monitor in order to do their job. Repetitive work means that similar working movements occur over and over again, for example during continuous data entry.

The risks of strictly controlled, restricted or repetitive screen work

Intensive and monotonous input work during a large part of the working day increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Continuous editing or proofreading can also affect the risk of ill health if there is insufficient recovery.

Long-term work where a computer mouse or other control device is used without sufficient breaks also increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working with a screen can also mean isolation from social contacts.

Avoid screen work that is strictly controlled, restricted or repetitive

As an employer, you must ensure that there is normally no work at a screen that is strictly controlled or restricted, or repetitive in physical or mental terms. This can be done, for example, through job enrichment, job expansion or job rotation.

Regular breaks for recovery are another important measure.

As an employer, you should plan and organise the work so that it provides opportunities for personal contacts. The work space and surrounding environment at the workplace should be designed with this in mind.

Repetitive, closely controlled or restricted work

Give employees the opportunity to influence their work

How the work is performed has a major influence on how long it is appropriate to work at the screen. To reduce the risk of ill health, it is good if employees can alternate screen work with other tasks.

It is essential that you, as an employer, give your employees the freedom to influence the organisation and performance of their own work, so that they have sufficient movement variation and recovery.

Employees need to be able to plan and organise their work and take breaks, so as to avoid overly intensive use of a computer mouse or other control device. Intensive use can, for example, be about how many “clicks” they need to make with the computer mouse, which can be influenced by the design of the software.

Give employees room for manoeuvre

If employees experience discomfort due to working with a computer or screen

If an employee experiences vision problems or other strain problems as a result of working at a screen in spite of measures taken, you as the employer must ensure that the work is arranged so that the employee can change to less stressful tasks if possible.

If you cannot arrange the work in such a way, you must ensure that the employee gets sufficient breaks.

Here you can read more about employers' responsibilities when computers and screens are used:

Using computers and screens