What is a DSE & Workstation Risk Assessment?

In 2021/22, 477,000 UK workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. One of the main factors cited as a cause for such disorders is keyboard or repetitive work. This should come as no surprise, given the prevalence of jobs that rely on display screen equipment (DSE) for the majority of tasks.

The economic consequences cannot be denied as well, with the HSE stating in the same report that 7.3 million working days were lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the 2021/22.

As such, there are DSE regulations put in place to protect the health of DSE users in the workplace.

What is required from employers regarding DSE?

The primary legislation for DSE is The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. It covers what is considered DSE and who are considered DSE users.

According to these regulations, DSE is any type of equipment that shows information on its screen. It is a very broad definition that also covers screens beyond the typical DSE used in an office setting, but for most workplaces, this means conventional screens such as computer monitors, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

DSE users are defined as workers reliant on display screens to do their job, who use DSE for more than an hour each day and use it to transfer information quickly to and from DSE.

The regulations state that employers have a responsibility to reduce the risks that come with using DSE regularly through regular breaks from this work or by doing other forms of work instead.The law applies to DSE users whether they are fixed to a specific workstation, they are hot-desking, or if they work remotely.

Additionally, DSE users must be provided an eye test if they ask for one and should receive adequate training and information about DSE use for these workers.

Lastly, employers are required to conduct a DSE workstation assessment.

What is a DSE Assessment?

Employers are tasked with the responsibility of making sure the workstations for their DSE users are set up in such a way that reduces the risks of work-related injuries occurring from DSE use. A DSE assessment is how employers achieve that goal.

There are three elements that employers must look at for a comprehensive DSE assessment:

• The entire workstation
  • Equipment
  • Furniture
  • Work conditions
• The job being carried out at the workstation
• The user of the workstation
  • Special requirements to do the job
  • Existing conditions of the user that affects their job
• •  

Employers should be open to feedback from their DSE users. After all, they have direct experience with their workstations, and will know better than anyone about the risks and hazards present in their workstations.

Common issues associated with DSE work are postural and visual problems, fatigue and stress. DSE users are to be advised on assuming and maintaining good posture, taking timely breaks, and doing other activities. Assessments may also conclude with recommendations to provide additional equipment such as footrests or monitor risers.

Who should be conducting a DSE assessment?

Ideally, dedicated health and safety personnel should be conducting the DSE assessment. However, in-house staff that may not be health and safety experts themselves but have received the proper training for DSE assessment can also take the initiative.

In special cases where the workstation’s design is complex or faulty, and the task associated with the DSE is critical to operations, outside expertise may be necessary to ensure accuracy in the assessment.

How often should a DSE assessment be done?

DSE assessments need to be redone whenever there has been a significant change in the workstation. New equipment and furniture, a change in location, or a substantial increase in length of usage are just some examples that would necessitate a new DSE assessment.

A new user taking over a workstation is another situation where there needs to be another assessment.

DSE users that report getting sick or injured or because of their DSE work would also require a reassessment.

What is a home working risk assessment?

Remote work has become more commonplace, introducing a host of benefits and challenges to both employers and employees. One such challenge is making sure remote workers are still protected by their employers when it comes to using DSE, even when it’s at home. A home working risk assessment must then be carried out.

The working environment at home has to be a suitable place for work to be done efficiently. There needs to be enough space, lighting, and ventilation for optimal work conditions.

Assessing the home workstation follows the same principles as a DSE assessment in an office. Work equipment and furniture need to be checked with the nature of the task in mind. Employers who supply equipment to remote workers are only responsible for the equipment they provide.

The remote worker is expected to conduct their own home working risk assessment, so it is imperative that they receive the adequate training and information to carry out the task.

Get expert DSE assessment for your office

Uncomfortable office chairs and dim lighting may not be primary concerns for every business, but all of these seemingly low-priority issues add up to poor working conditions for DSE users and take a heavy toll.

Employees subjected to poor working conditions are known to perform worse and even end up missing work days due to compounding physical ailments brought on by shoddy workstations and office surroundings.

To avoid such repercussions, it is imperative that DSE assessments are carried out for each workstation in your workplace. This will illuminate potential problems and prevent your employees from suffering in silence.

For a thorough DSE assessment backed up by years of expertise, turn to the Health & Safety Dept. We can provide guidance and advice on assessments, or we can complete the process for you. Contact us today to get started.