A Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment identifies the risks to an employee using DSE equipment such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, laptop, or tablet. The assessment identifies issues and recommends any adjustments needed to mitigate potential health risks.
Why is a DSE assessment important?
A DSE risk assessment helps identify and mitigate health risks associated with the prolonged use of display screen equipment. According to research by the Health and Safety Executive, more than 480,000 employees in Great Britain suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in 2022/23, resulting in almost nine million lost working days.
Poor positioning of chairs, desks, keyboards, and input devices can cause chronic or acute injuries, affecting wrists and hands (cramps, stiffness, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome), arms (aches), shoulders (tightness, stiffness), back (upper and lower back pain), and neck (pain).
An inadequate work environment when using DSE can also lead to mental fatigue and stress, which can reduce performance levels and increase absenteeism.
Visual fatigue is another common issue, resulting from poor lighting, screen glare, improper screen distance, and insufficient breaks. Symptoms of visual fatigue include eyestrain, dry eyes, and headaches.
Additionally, factors such as room noise and temperature can impact employees’ comfort and overall wellbeing.
By conducting regular DSE risk assessments, organisations can proactively address these issues, ensuring that workstations are ergonomically sound, and that the working environment is conducive to health and productivity.
Is a display screen assessment a legal requirement?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 DSE risk assessments are a legal requirement for organisations where employees use display screen equipment for an hour or more a day continuously.
All employees who regularly use display screen equipment as part of their duties are required to receive 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 does a DSE assessment include?
A display screen assessment covers any equipment with a display screen, including:
- Computer monitors
- Laptops
- Tablets
- TV screens
- Smartphones
- CCTV camera monitors
- Electronic display systems
What does a DSE risk assessment involve?
A DSE assessment covers:
- Posture. The user’s posture is assessed to ensure it is ergonomic and promotes good spinal alignment. This includes checking the positioning of the back, neck, shoulders, and arms while using the equipment.
- Chair. The chair’s adjustability, support, and comfort is assessed to ensure the chair provides adequate lumbar support, is adjustable in height, and allows the user to sit with their feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
- Display screen. The position, height, and angle of the display screen are assessed to prevent eye strain and neck discomfort. The screen should be at eye level and at an appropriate distance from the user.
- Keyboard and mouse. The layout and positioning of the keyboard and mouse are checked to ensure they allow for a neutral wrist position and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Desk assessment. The desk height, size, and layout are evaluated to ensure there is enough space for the user to work comfortably. It should allow for proper placement of all equipment and materials.
- Eyesight. There is a review of the user’s eyesight needs, ensuring they have regular eye tests and appropriate corrective lenses if required. Recommendations for breaks to reduce eye strain may also be provided.
- Environment. Factors such as room temperature, lighting, and ventilation are checked. Adequate lighting and temperature control are crucial for maintaining comfort and productivity.
- Laptop use. For those using laptops, the assessment looks at the setup to ensure it is ergonomic. This may include using a docking station, separate keyboard, and mouse, and raising the laptop screen to eye level.
- Work duration and tasks. The assessment considers the length of time spent using DSE and the nature of the tasks performed. Recommendations for breaks and changes in activity to prevent fatigue and repetitive strain are provided.
- Temperature. The workplace temperature is reviewed to ensure it is within a comfortable range, as extreme temperatures can affect comfort and concentration.
- Lighting and glare on screens. The quality and positioning of lighting are assessed to prevent glare on screens, which can cause eye strain. Adjustments to natural and artificial light sources may be recommended.
- Noise level. The assessment checks the noise level in the work environment to ensure it is conducive to concentration and productivity. Excessive noise may require soundproofing measures or the use of noise-cancelling devices.
The DSE assessment also examines any special requirements of employees, such as workstation suitability for pregnant employees or those with disabilities.
Employer responsibilities for DSE risk assessments
A legal requirement under Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, a workstation risk assessment must be carried out to protect all employees who are users of DSE from the health risks of working with DSE.
Employers must:
- Carry out a DSE workstation assessments which involve the user and inform the user of the results.
- Reduce risks where practical, such as implementing breaks or changes of activity, providing suitable equipment, and catering for individual requirements, such as providing a footrest.
- Provide DSE training and information for all employees.
An employer must provide eyesight tests and eyewear free of charge if the employee requires it to work with DSE. The full eyesight test must include a vision test and an eye examination. If glasses are needed for the sole use of DSE work, employers must meet the reasonable costs of the glasses.
Employers must also plan the work of users so they can take regular breaks or change activities to help reduce fatigue, eye strain, mental stress and the potential health dangers of sedentary working.
Providing DSE training and assessments via online learning, such as our IOSH Approved and CPD Certified Display Screen Equipment Training, is easy and practical allowing employees to learn at their own pace.
Who requires a DSE risk assessment?
A DSE risk assessment should be carried out for:
- New employees.
- Returning employees.
- Hybrid working.
- Employees working from home.
- Agile working, such as working at a client location.
- Changes to existing working setups.
- If the employee becomes uncomfortable in their setup.
Employers should provide a DSE risk assessment for workers returning following ill health. Employees who have been away from work for maternity leave or long-term illness may have different requirements, so adjustments may need to be made to their workstations.
A DSE self-assessment is mandatory when an employee works from home. The assessment needs to cover all aspects of their workstation, work activity and equipment and whether the employee is experiencing pain or discomfort. They can then be supported to implement changes in their workstation, posture and working practices or be provided with ergonomic accessories such as a separate mouse and keyboard.
Who should carry out a DSE risk assessment?
Employees can carry out a DSE self-assessment that helps their employer to evaluate what training or equipment they need.
It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure equipment, such as chairs, desks, and peripheral equipment, are correctly set up. However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and co-operating with their employer on health and safety matters.
The employer is also responsible for sourcing the correct equipment, such as adjustable chairs, and mitigating environmental factors (lighting, noise, temperature).
DSE training & DSE assessment
At Praxis42 we offer DSE training for employees and an Online DSE Assessment to support organisations to comply with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.
With the online DSE assessment employees complete a series of questions about their workstation setup, posture, environment, and health. Actions are highlighted in priority order and forwarded to a nominated manager so they can address critical issues first.
We also offer a convenient Virtual Ergonomic Assessment service for employees who would benefit from tailored advice, perhaps because they have a more complex workstation setup or a pre-existing health condition.
If you have any questions, please contact our friendly team on 0203 011 4242/info@praxis42.com
