The HSE reported that 8.9 million working days were lost in 2019/2020 due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. With efficient DSE training and online DSE assessments, these disorders can be reduced or prevented in the workplace.
Organisational culture is important for a healthy and happy working environment. Positive work culture can be a combination of factors, including how employees feel about their work, the way that a team works together and whether employees feel comfortable at work. Effective workstations and a supportive working environment along with proper DSE assessments will go a long way to creating a positive culture.
All employees who regularly use display screen equipment as part of their duties are required to undergo DSE training. Our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Training Course helps ensure employees can work safely with display screen equipment, identify risks and know how to avoid problems by using simple ergonomic principles.
What is DSE?
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to any type of electronic equipment that has a display screen, such as a computer monitor, a laptop or mobile phone. This type of equipment is often used for office or retail work.
Health impacts of using DSE
There are a number of health risks associated with using Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including eye strain, neck and back pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
Eye strain can be caused by staring at a screen for long periods of time, and may lead to headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes.
Neck and back pain can be caused by sitting in an incorrect position while using DSE, and repetitive strain injuries can be caused by repetitive motions such as typing or clicking a mouse.
Most of these risks can be mitigated by taking breaks from DSE use, using ergonomic furniture and accessories, and practicing proper body mechanics.
What are the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992?
The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 is a set of regulations that cover the use of display screen equipment (DSE) in the workplace.
The regulations aim to protect workers from the health risks associated with using DSE. The regulations require employers to assess the risks associated with using DSE in the workplace and take steps to minimize those risks. Employers must also provide workers with information and training on how to safely use DSE.
What are DSE users entitled to under the regulations?
Display screen equipment (DSE) users are entitled to a number of things, including:
- A workstation assessment to ensure that their workstation is set up correctly and ergonomically.
- Regular breaks from using the DSE, to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
- Training on how to use the DSE correctly and safely.
- Employers must arrange an eye test for DSE users if they ask for one, and provide glasses if an employee needs them only for DSE use. In order to qualify for a DSE eye test, you need to work for a minimum of one hour per day in front of a screen.
- Information on the risks associated with using a DSE and how to minimise those risks.
- A comfortable and safe working environment.
If you are a DSE user, you should speak to your employer about your entitlements and make sure that you are aware of the risks of using a DSE. Remember to take regular breaks and stay safe!
What are DSE assessments?
Employees will spend a lot of time at their workstations, often looking at a computer for long periods of time. Employers have a legal obligation to provide them with suitable training to maintain their comfort at work. DSE assessments are often a popular choice and help ensure the employee is working at a comfortable standard with minimal impact on their health. Regulations for DSE require an employer to:
- Carry out a workplace assessment in relation to workstations. This assessment should incorporate the full workstation such as the equipment, furniture and work environment as well as the tasks required of the employee, whether they have any special needs and any risks associated with these activities.
- Check that each workstation will meet the minimum criteria outlined in the regulations.
- Provide reasonable adjustments, if needed, for the individual.
- Provide adequate information, advice and training.
What do online DSE assessments cover?
Employers should deliver suitable training and provide advice to users about the risks associated with work involving Display Screen Equipment (such as laptops, computer monitors and smartphones). DSE assessments cover the potential risks that may contribute to ill health and looks at the environment of the workstation, as well as the equipment. Online DSE assessments include:
- How to maintain good posture and why it helps.
- The best way to adjust office furniture such as chairs.
- Arranging the workstation to ensure that employees can work comfortably.
- Adjusting the computer screen to avoid glare and reflections.
- The importance of taking regular breaks and changing activities.
- How to participate in DSE risk assessments.
- The procedure for reporting problems if and when they arise.
What is included in a DSE assessment?
DSE assessments and training focus on the employee’s workstation to ensure they’re comfortable. This is to lower the risk of musculoskeletal disorders that may lead to their absence from work. From equipment to the environment, DSE assessments enable the employer to acknowledge if their employees need individual adjustments for their comfort. Online DSE training looks at a range of aspects:
- Sufficient workstation space for equipment and movement.
- Display equipment positioning to minimise glare/reflections.
- Adequate space underneath the desk with no obstruction, for employee’s comfort.
- Keyboard and mouse position to avoid strain.
- Suitable and ergonomic chairs to prevent back and neck strain and aches.
- Screen display adjustments to prevent eye strain (brightness).
- Importance of regular breaks for employees, including lunch breaks and short breaks.
Here at Praxis42, we offer an online DSE self-assessment tool so employees can assess their own workstations. For those who would benefit from tailored advice from our ergonomic specialists, we provide a Virtual Ergonomic Assessment service.
The impact of DSE training on employees
By delivering the right training and assessments, employee motivation and productivity may be increased. As well as managing the risk of injury to their health and reducing absenteeism, online DSE assessments are a standard way to maintain employee satisfaction and acknowledge individual adjustments.
All employees who regularly use display screen equipment as part of their duties are required to undergo DSE training. Our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Training Course helps ensure employees can work safely with display screen equipment, identify risks and know how to avoid problems by using simple ergonomic principles.
