The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations apply to any employees who rely on DSE for their work, either in the office, at home, or while interacting with customers. The regulations state that it is the duty of employers to ensure that these employees are properly educated regarding any risks associated with using DSE; are trained on how to use DSE such as a standing desk correctly; and that their workstations semi-regularly undergo DSE assessment.
Display Screen Equipment training also covers how a workstation should be set up and the ergonomics of work. As the use of standing desks is becoming increasingly popular due to their multiple health benefits, it is vital that organisations know that the guidance on how to use these is not the same as the DSE guidance for the use of traditional desks.
All employees who utilise DSE are required to undergo DSE training. Our Display Screen Equipment training course helps ensure all employees have correctly arranged workstations and know how to avoid the risks associated with mobile devices.
Arranging a standing desk workstation
DSE equipment on a standing desk should be set up differently from a traditional sitting desk to accommodate the different postures of the user.
To start, the monitor should be set up to directly face the user, with their eyes falling on the top two-thirds of the screen. To accommodate the standing position, the monitor should be angled slightly upwards and be placed centrally to the user when they are standing up straight. Like a traditional desk setup, the monitor should be placed so that there is no screen glare from light sources and far enough away to be viewed comfortably.
When it comes to the keyboard, this should be positioned so that the arms and hands can rest on the desktop and achieve a neutral posture – along with the mouse. Standing desk users should not work on a laptop for prolonged periods of time and not use additional equipment to achieve an upright posture.
The final part of setting up a workstation is the mouse. As stated above, this should be on the same platform as the keyboard. The mouse itself should be of a shape and size that is easy to use and is within comfortable reach so that they do not have to overstretch their hand and arm into an awkward posture to make full use of it.
What’s the correct posture for using a standing desk?
Another vital part of using a standing desk covered by our DSE training course is how to correctly stand while using one. Using a standing desk incorrectly can negatively impact the lower body, arms, and hands. This is why it is vital that users are trained on using them correctly.
To begin with, users should ensure that they are standing central to their workstation, keeping their entire body in line with the DSE they will be using. Next, they should ensure that the desk is adjusted to a height where they can place their forearms on it at a relaxed, 90-degree angle when using the mouse and keyboard. When using a standing desk, employees should also ensure that they are wearing the correct footwear, as certain styles will be uncomfortable to wear when standing up for extended periods.
All employees who utilise DSE are required to undergo DSE training. Developed by health and safety consultants, our Display Screen Equipment training course helps ensure all employees have correctly arranged workstations and know how to avoid the risks associated with mobile devices.
We also offer an online DSE self-assessment tool so employees can assess their own workstations. And for those who would benefit from tailored advice from our ergonomic specialists, we provide a Virtual Ergonomic Assessment service.
