Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment Template for New Zealand
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What is a Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment?
The Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment is a crucial workplace health and safety document required under New Zealand legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations. This assessment should be conducted when new workstations are set up, when new employees start work, when significant changes are made to existing workstations, or when health issues related to display screen use are reported. The document provides a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with prolonged display screen use, covering aspects such as equipment configuration, workspace ergonomics, environmental factors, and work patterns. It serves as both a compliance tool and a practical guide for maintaining workplace safety and employee wellbeing in modern office environments throughout New Zealand.
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About the Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment
You need a Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment to comply with New Zealand's workplace health and safety laws while protecting your employees from computer-related injuries. This systematic evaluation document helps you identify and control risks associated with prolonged display screen use in your workplace.
When do you need this document?
You must conduct display screen equipment assessments when setting up new workstations, onboarding employees who will use computers regularly, making significant changes to existing workstations, or responding to employee reports of discomfort or health issues. The assessment is also required following workplace incidents involving display screen equipment, during routine health and safety reviews, or when introducing new technology that changes how employees interact with screens. WorkSafe NZ recommends regular reassessments, particularly for employees spending more than four hours daily at computer workstations.
Key legal considerations
Your assessment must systematically evaluate screen positioning, including height, distance, and angle to prevent neck and eye strain. You need to assess workspace lighting to minimize glare and reflection, ensure adequate space for comfortable positioning, and evaluate seating ergonomics including adjustability and support. The document should record environmental factors like temperature, noise, and air quality that could affect employee comfort and productivity. You must also consider work patterns, including break frequencies and task variety, to prevent repetitive strain injuries. The assessment requires clear identification of control measures for any risks identified, along with timelines for implementation and responsibility assignments.
Legal requirements in New Zealand
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, you have a primary duty to ensure worker health and safety, including risks from display screen equipment. The Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 specifically require you to identify, assess, and control workplace risks systematically. You must follow WorkSafe NZ Guidelines for Using Computers, which provide detailed requirements for screen positioning, keyboard and mouse placement, and workstation setup. Your assessment must align with ACC Guidelines for Office Workstation Setup to support injury prevention and claims management. You're required to involve workers in the assessment process, provide necessary training on safe computer use, and maintain records demonstrating compliance with your legal obligations. Regular monitoring and review of control measures is mandatory to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment is drafted to comply with New Zealand law. Key legislation includes:
Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016: Provides specific requirements for workplace risk management, including obligations for identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with display screen equipment.
WorkSafe NZ Guidelines for Using Computers: While not legislation, these are essential guidelines that provide specific requirements for computer workstation setup, screen positioning, and ergonomic considerations.
ACC Guidelines for Office Workstation Setup: Guidelines from the Accident Compensation Corporation providing specific requirements for workstation assessment and setup to prevent injury.
Privacy Act 2020: Relevant for handling personal information collected during DSE risk assessments, including any health-related information about employees.
Employment Relations Act 2000: Relevant for establishing the framework of employer-employee relationships and consultation requirements regarding workplace safety measures.
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