DSE Assessment: Everything You Need to Know

If you're a business owner or manager, you know that health and safety is of the utmost importance. And if you have employees who work on computers for extended periods of time, it's especially important to make sure they're following health and safety guidelines when it comes to their screen use.

That's where DSE assessments come in. In this blog post, we'll explain what DSE assessments are, why they're important, and how you can get them completed by all your staff. Stay safe and productive!

Firstly, DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment.

Display screen equipment (DSE) is any type of equipment that displays visual information, such as a computer monitor, laptop, television, or smartphone. In the UK a DSE user can be classed as anybody using DSE for 1 hour per day on average during their working week.

DSE can cause discomfort and health problems if used incorrectly. That's why it's important for employers to ensure their staff are using DSE safely and comfortably. DSE is a legal requirement under The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, and covers DSE users working from:

• fixed workstations

• mobile workers

• home workers

• hot-desking

According to HSE, there were over 26,000 reported DSE injuries and illnesses in the UK in 2016/2017. With the increase in the use of technology and remote working or hybrid working since then, it's important now more than ever to make sure your employees are following correct DSE procedures.

The most common types of DSE injuries and illnesses are musculoskeletal problems (such as neck pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome), eye strain, and headaches.

These injuries and illnesses can be prevented by following proper ergonomic guidelines when using DSE.

There are a few ways to do this. The first is by carrying our DSE training and the second is by conducting DSE assessments for each DSE user.

DSE training covers the basics of how to use DSE safely and comfortably. It's important for all staff members who use DSE regularly to receive this training ensuring each user has the required knowledge and information to carry out their work safely.

DSE assessments, on the other hand, are specific to each individual user. They help to identify any risks associated with using DSE and provide solutions to mitigate those risks. They should be conducted on a regular basis, and whenever there are changes to an individual's workstation or screen use. By conducting a DSE assessment, you can make sure your employees are following best practice when it comes to their screen use.

Let's dive into it a bit more and start with DSE training

DSE Training

Employees should be taught how to use DSE safely and comfortably, as well as what the warning signs of discomfort are.

DSE training is when you learn how to use a computer and other devices safely and often also focus upon office ergonomics.

Office ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their work environment. It's designed to optimize comfort and safety while reducing the risk of injuries.

Alongside the more technical aspects of DSE with screen use there are a few key principles of office ergonomics that you can follow to make sure your employees are using DSE safely and comfortably. These principles are:

1. Adjust your chair and desk to fit you properly

2. Use a good lighting scheme

3. Take regular breaks

4. Use a hands-free device if you're talking on the phone

5. Keep your screen at the right height

6. Use a glare protector/filter

7. Keep your wrists in a neutral position

8. Use a footrest if needed

9. Drink plenty of water

You learn how to do this by watching a video or reading a booklet. It is important for everyone who uses devices like this for more than an hour a day to do this training.

You can find DSE training booklets and videos on the websites of most manufacturers. The government website also has some good resources.

DSE training is important because it helps you to avoid injuries and illnesses that can come from using devices incorrectly. These include:

• Musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome

• Eye strain and headaches

If an employee uses a device for work the employer should provide DSE training as this is a legal requirement. There are a few different ways to provide it.

Training can be delivered in-house or online. It's important that the training is interactive and covers the basics of how to use DSE safely and comfortably.

The best way to ensure all employees have received adequate training is to have a policy in place that states all staff must receive DSE training before starting work. This policy should also outline how often employees must be retrained.

If you're not sure where to start with DSE training, there are many affordable resources available today online such as our CPD accredited online DSE training course which can be purchased for just a few pounds per user and accessed instantly from anywhere.

DSE Assessments

DSE assessments are evaluations of how employees use DSE in the workplace and helps to identify and assess the risks associated with using computers and other digital devices for extended periods of time. They can help identify any risks associated with using DSE and suggest ways to reduce or eliminate those risks.

By completing a DSE risk assessment, you can help ensure that your employees are using digital devices in a safe and healthy way when using display screen equipment.

DSE assessments are necessary to ensure that employees who use computers for extended periods of time are following formal health and safety guidelines. The assessment should check for things like proper ergonomics, right-angle viewing, and adequate lighting.

The assessment may also look at things like how often employees use digital devices to identify and any potential health risks associated with prolonged screen use.

Just like DSE training these user assessments are important because they help to prevent work-related injuries. Injuries caused by poor ergonomics can lead to chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and even carpal tunnel syndrome.

So, how do you conduct a DSE assessment?

Well first you will need a well written form or template to ensure you have the relevant questions posed to your DSE users such as:

• How long do you spend using the display screen equipment each day?

• Do you have any aches, pains or discomfort after using the display screen equipment?

• Do you have any symptoms of eye strain such as headaches or blurred vision?

• Do you have any symptoms of neck or back pain?

• Is the equipment set up ergonomically correctly for you?

• Do you feel comfortable and able to take regular breaks?

• Are you provided with adequate breaks from using the display screen equipment?

Some businesses will hire a professional ergonomics consultant to come in and do their DSE assessments on-site. This is often the best option moneywise because it guarantees that all employees will be assessed correctly and any potential hazards are found and dealt with fast such as:

• Adjusting ergonomic set-ups

• Providing more regular breaks

• Encouraging better posture

• Reducing screen time

• Installing anti-glare filters or screens

• Adjusting the lighting in the work area

• And much more

Once you have this in place here are a few key steps:

1. Schedule a time for the assessment. This can be done individually or in a group setting.

2. Explain the purpose of the assessment and what will be involved. This will help put employees at ease and allow them to participate fully in the process.

3. Give employees a chance to ask questions about the assessment or DSE use in general. This is an important step to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected of them.

4. Start the assessment by having employees fill out a questionnaire about their workstation setup and DSE use habits. This will give you a good starting point for the rest of the assessment.

5. Next, observe how employees use their DSE while they work. This will help you identify any potential risks associated with their current setup or use habits.

6. Finally, provide employees with a copy of the assessment report and discuss any recommendations for improving their DSE setup or use habits. This is an important step to ensure that employees are aware of the risks and know what they can do to mitigate them.

By following these steps you will help create a safer and healthier work environment for everyone involved.

There are also a number of different online DSE assessment tools available today. These tools can help streamline the assessment process and make it easier to identify potential risks.

One such tool is the DSE self-assessment tool from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This tool is a quick and easy way for employees to assess their own workstation setup and identify any potential risks.

Another hugely popular option is our ClickHSE online DSE assessment tool that we provide free of charge with all for anyone users purchasing our DSE online training. This tool is used by everyone from small startups to global brands and with a million users to date is a great option for businesses that want to get a fast but detailed look at their employees DSE

However if you are interested in searching for another solutions here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an online DSE assessment tool:

• Make sure the tool is CPD accredited. This means it has been certified by a recognized body and meets all the necessary health and safety standards.

• Make sure the tool is up-to-date. Technology is constantly changing, so make sure the tool you choose is updated regularly to reflect the latest changes in DSE use.

• Make sure the tool is easy to use. The last thing you want is a tool that's difficult to use or understand. Look for a tool that's simple and easy to navigate.

• Make sure the tool is affordable. Many online DSE assessment tools are free or very affordable, so there's no need to break the bank when choosing one.

• Make sure the tool is reliable. The last thing you want is a tool that's inaccurate or unreliable. Look for a tool that has a good track record and has been used successfully by other businesses.

• Make sure the tool meets all your needs. not all online DSE assessment tools are created equal, so make sure the one you choose meets all your specific needs and requirements.

So to conclude, DSE assessment is an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. By conducting regular assessments, you can identify any potential risks associated with DSE use and take steps to mitigate them.

DSE training is also important. Employees need to be aware of the risks associated with DSE use and know how to mitigate them. Training can help employees understand the importance of DSE assessment and how to use their DSE safely and effectively.

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