Display screen workstation (Bildschirmarbeitsplatz)
Also: Bildschirmarbeitsplatz, VDU workstation, office workstation, DSE workstation
Definition
A display screen workstation is a workplace with display screen equipment at which employees do a not insignificant part of their work. The ergonomic requirements of Annex 6 of the German Workplaces Ordinance apply to screen, keyboard, desk, chair, lighting and software.
Core requirements: low-reflection, rotatable and tiltable screen with the top edge roughly at eye level, separate keyboard, sufficiently large desk, height-adjustable chair with backrest, at least 500 lux, display screen work interrupted by breaks or mixed work. Laptops without additional equipment are only suitable for short-term work.
Employees at display screen workstations must be offered a health check including an eye examination; the employer pays for screen glasses if they are needed. Office workstations also need a risk assessment – including mental workload.
Legal basis
- Workplaces Ordinance, Annex 6
- ASR A3.4, ASR A1.2
- ArbMedVV Annex Part 4
- DGUV Information 215-410
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
