“`html
DSE and Ergonomic Assessments
If employees are spending long periods at a workstation, it is important that their desk set-up supports comfort, posture, and safe working practices. Poor workstation layout can contribute to neck pain, back pain, upper limb discomfort, and other musculoskeletal issues that may affect both wellbeing and performance.
At Staywell Occupational Health, we provide DSE (Display Screen Equipment) and ergonomic assessments to help employers identify potential workstation risks, make practical adjustments, and support employees who are experiencing discomfort or health issues linked to their working set-up. Whether you need a general ergonomic desk assessment or a more tailored review for an employee with an existing condition, we can help.
A quick look
DSE and Ergonomic Assessments at a Glance
- DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment – Required for staff that spend longer than 60% of their day in front of a display screen.
- Ergonomic assessment – Used to make reasonable adjustments to alleviate any discomfort or health conditions already experienced.
- Management report provided within 48 hours, including findings and recommendations.
When is this required?
When Is a DSE or Ergonomic Assessment Needed?
A twisted posture or lack of support from a work chair can exacerbate upper musculoskeletal disorders, such as neck and back pain. Although these rarely develop into serious conditions, they can often contribute to additional sickness absence of staff members.
A poorly set up workstation can contribute to musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder discomfort, or upper limb symptoms. While these issues do not always develop into serious conditions, they can still affect comfort, concentration, and attendance at work.
Employers must ensure that anyone using display equipment for extended periods of use, has the workstation laid out appropriately.
A DSE assessment is typically needed for employees who use display screen equipment for a large part of their working day. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that these workstations are set up appropriately and support safe, comfortable working.
It is possible to train a responsible member of staff to carry out this role. However, an OH nurse brings the experience of carrying out hundreds of these assessments and an expert knowledge of the common injuries associated with a poorly laid out workstation.
An ergonomic assessment is required for staff already experiencing health issues (such as RSI or carpel tunnel syndrome) which are being worsened by their workstation layout. The need for this assessment often arises as a result of a previous DSE assessment, but can also be carried out after identifying a need in a pre-employment health screen or a sickness absence clinic. This type of assessment may be recommended following a DSE assessment, a pre-employment health screen, or during sickness absence management.
Back Pain can be the result of poor ergonomics & posture.
Why a Professional Ergonomic Assessment?
It is possible to train an internal staff member to carry out DSE assessments, however using an occupational health professional can provide additional reassurance where more detailed advice is needed.
At Staywell, our qualified clinicians have years of experience carrying out ergonomic assessments across a wide range of workplace settings. This allows us to identify common issues more quickly, understand how workstation design may be contributing to symptoms, and recommend practical changes that are relevant to the individual and their role.
For employees who are already struggling with discomfort, a professional ergonomic desk assessment can be especially useful in helping employers decide what reasonable adjustments may be appropriate.
Benefits to be gained?
Benefits of DSE and Ergonomic Assessments
DSE assessments can benefit your business in multiple ways. Often the layout of a workstation can be improved to increase both productivity and comfort, this has the benefit of boosting morale and the work capacity of an individual. The cost of sickness absence can be effectively reduced, as fewer upper limb disorders are being caused by poor DSE layout and many existing conditions can be effectively relieved with a few changes.
DSE and ergonomic assessments can benefit your business in multiple ways. Even small changes to workstation layout, seating, desk equipment, or working habits can improve comfort and help employees work more effectively.
For employers, this can help reduce the impact of workstation-related discomfort, support employee wellbeing, and lower the likelihood of sickness absence linked to poor desk set-up or repetitive strain. And for employees, it can lead to a more comfortable working environment and practical recommendations that make day-to-day work easier.
What does the assessment involve?
What does a DSE or Ergonomic Assessment involve?
A full health and working history is taken and the workstation is assessed. This includes light reading, access, egress and DSE setup. Working postures and practices are explored as well as travel arrangements and hours worked.
A report is completed and provided to management within 48 hours of the assessment and includes a history, current position and recommendations.
A full health and working history is taken before the workstation is assessed. This includes reviewing the DSE set-up, working posture, seating, desk arrangement, and how the individual carries out their day-to-day tasks.
The assessment may also consider factors such as lighting, access and egress, travel arrangements, working hours, and any existing symptoms or health concerns that may be affected by the workstation set-up.
Following the assessment, a report is provided to management within 48 hours. This includes a summary of the current situation, any relevant history, and practical recommendations to support a safer and more comfortable way of working.
Book a DSE or Ergonomic Assessment
If you need support with workstation assessments, Staywell can help. We provide DSE and ergonomic assessments designed to identify practical improvements, support employee wellbeing, and help employers make informed adjustments where needed.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements and arrange an assessment.
FAQs
Are ergonomic assessments a legal requirement?
Yes, they are. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992, UK employers have a statutory obligation to ensure that none of their workstations, equipment or working practices cause physical harm or discomfort to staff members.
How long does an ergonomic assessment take?
An ergonomic assessment for an individual workstation takes approximately 1 hour to complete, depending on the extent of the employee’s current working condition and state of health.
Is the DSE assessment mandatory?
If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) as part of their normal work, continuously for over an hour or more than 60% of their day, employers must do a workstation assessment.
How often are DSE checks required?
If there are no changes to a workstation or an employee’s circumstances, most companies typically conduct DSE assessments every one or two years.
“`
