The surrounding environment when using computers and screens
As an employer, you must take the surrounding environment into account when computers and screens are used. Ensure that noise and heat from other equipment do not disturb or cause inconvenience or discomfort to the employee.
Risks in the surrounding environment
Noise from, for example, telephones, computer fans and printers can impair concentration, distract attention and make work tasks more strenuous and tiring.
Various types of office solutions that lead to overhearing what other people are saying, for example, can also cause problems in the work environment.
High temperatures from screens and the accompanying equipment cause the air quality to be perceived as worse and the heat can make employees tired, which affects their ability to work.
How to address risks in the surrounding environment
Ensure adequate ventilation
Workplaces must have a suitable temperature that is adapted to the activity. Good ventilation can help to lower the temperature. Good ventilation is also needed to remove air pollutants such as hazardous substances, moisture and bad odours.
Cleaning is important for air quality. Cords and cables should not be left on the floor as they collect dust and make cleaning difficult. It is also unsuitable from an electrical safety point of view because cables and cords lying on the floor are more easily damaged. There is a risk of tripping over loose cables and cords.
Place heat-generating machines in separate rooms
To deal with noise and heat from heat generating machines such as copiers, you as an employer can ensure that they are placed in a separate room with extra ventilation.
Get a better work environment through working systematically
As an employer, you must manage the work environment systematically, so as to improve it. Our provisions for systematic work environment management apply to all employers – regardless of the activities or the risks that you and your employees could be exposed to.
As an employer, you are responsible for reducing risk when working with screens, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment.
Find out more about the employer's responsibilities when using computers and screens:
Last updated 2025-11-26