DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessments
DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessments
As an employer, you have a responsibility under The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 to protect your employees from the health risks associated with prolonged use of display screen equipment – commonly referred to as DSE. This encompasses equipment such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.The increased reliance on technology over the past decade within most businesses and the resulting move to more flexible working patterns means that its more important than ever that this element of employee health and well-being is managed effectively.
At Sureteam we offer a comprehensive range of DSE support to businesses covering the provision of training for employees and line managers so that they understand the risks involved and how to mitigate them, the management of a robust and tailored DSE Assessment program to suit the needs of the organisation as well as occupational health support for employees should it be required.
Key Areas for Consideration
The first stage in understanding the risks to your employees of using display screen equipment is the DSE assessment, something that many businesses will be familiar with. Key areas for consideration within a DSE Assessment include:Any pre-existing medical conditions of the employee
The individuals role and working patterns in front of a screen
An assessment of the workstation involving desks, chairs, drawers, type of equipment (tablet/PC/hand-held device).
The screen and image – areas such as its position, the brightness and text size
The screen, computer image (such as its position, the brightness and text size), keyboard and mouse (such as their ease of use, angle and positions).
The software used and the user’s knowledge of its operation
Environmental factors including temperature, noise, lighting
In addition to the above, with more flexible working arrangements becoming more common, it is important to understand fully how and where your employees are working so that any additional risks can be identified. They may only be working at a fixed workstation for part of their week; working at home or remotely from cafes or public transport will all have different associated risks which need to be identified and assessed.
Frequency of DSE Assessments
In our experience many businesses complete a DSE Assessment as part of the induction of a new employee and then do not re-visit it unless an issue is raised by the individual.
The changing nature of working environments and practices means that a more proactive approach needs to be taken. In line with HSE Guidance there are a number of key events that should trigger a re-assessment such as changing desk or location, changes to working patterns or role or introduction of new equipment.
At Sureteam we therefore recommend that a new DSE Assessment for every employee is undertaken at least every 2 years, or earlier if there are changes to their working environment. Ensuring this happens consistently takes management particularly with a large and changing workforce.
For more information read our blog – DSE Assessments: How Often Should they be Completed?
All Things Web® Assessing DSE Online
All Things Web® has a team that work between the office, at home for periods of time or at client sites. Whilst DSE has always been included as part of induction training, they had realised the increased mobility of their team meant DSE assessments were more frequently needed.
How can Sureteam Help?
Our team of experienced health and safety consultants provide full support to businesses and organisations of all sizes to meet their needs when it comes to protecting their employees from the risks associated with use of DSE equipment.
Using the Healthy Working E-Learning Program Suite of courses we can provide the following:
- DSE E-learning for all employees about the risks associated with working with DSE equipment and practical help on ways to mitigate the risks
- Specific DSE Assessor E-learning to upskill those responsible for undertaking DSE Assessments
- Online DSE assessment for each employee to identify any areas that need to be addressed
- Oversight and reporting of issues arising from the assessments giving an audit trail of actions
- Management of a robust and regular DSE assessment program tailored to the needs of your organisation
- Occupational Health support for an individual should it be required
Give us a call
Our team are on hand for any advice you need give us a call on 01666 503686 to discuss your health and safety needs. With Sureteam, you have got it covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if they use DSE for work. The Regulations do not apply to users who use DSE infrequently or for less than an hour a day.
A thorough DSE Assessment typically covers the following areas relating to the specific workstation; work surface, chair, leg room, footrest, screen, keyboard, mouse, telephone, software, lighting, noise, temperature and environment. It also looks at any pre-existing conditions they may have as well as their role and working patterns to establish how much time is spent in front of the screen, the software they use and the training they have received on it.
Yes, you can. We offer E-learning courses under the Healthy Working Program which can provide suitable training to DSE Assessors as well as the wider team giving them the knowledge and tools to undertake these assessments. You will not only have an audit trail of who completed what, but will also be able to access any recommendations and actions that were identified at any time to ensure they are addressed.
More Resources
Seeking further advice and support, why not take a look at our Resources section with toolbox talks, HSE publications and useful links or read our latest blog post for advice from our team
