The Blog

Display Screen Equipment Ergonomics and Assessments

If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work, continuously for an hour or more, employers must do a workstation assessment. Find out the benefits below.

Molly Woollett

03/05/24

The Blog

Display Screen Equipment Ergonomics and Assessments

If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work, continuously for an hour or more, employers must do a workstation assessment. Find out the benefits below.

03/05/24

What is a DSE assessment?

Put simply, a DSE assessment is is an assessment of risks associated with the use of any Display Screen Equipment (DSE) such as computers, laptops, tablets and other display screens at work. It is essential for anyone who uses display screen equipment as part of their job. They are also known as workstation assessments.

Whether you work from home or are in an office, you will most likely be using a computer or a laptop and ergonomics play a vital role in creating a workspace that promotes good posture, reduces strain, and prevents musculoskeletal disorders.

Our Occupational Health Physiotherapists can perform a DSE assessment at your workplace to ensure that workstations are set up correctly, which in turn can help prevent injuries and decrease the number of sick days taken. This will also give our physiotherapist a good idea of further measure that can be put in place to improve the overall work environment.

What are the benefits or a DSE assessment?

Carrying out an ergonomic and workstation DSE assessment for relevant is a legal requirement, however meeting the HSE regulations is just one benefit you will see from these risk assessments. Other benefits include:

  • Improving the productivity of staff
  • Reducing sickness absence
  • Improving the health, wellbeing and morale of employees
  • Minimising the likelihood of compensation claims for musculoskeletal disorders
  • Reduction in administration costs
  • Encouraging an improved safety culture

DSE Ergonomics

There are measures you can take to prevent any injuries or discomfort. Below is a diagram of desired DSE ergonomics that outline ways for you to improve your posture and define the correct way of sitting at a screen to decrease the risk of an MSK disorder.

 

DSE ergonomics diagram

 

Following these simple tips while at work or even during your down time, will massively reduce the likelihood on an injury  and you’ll be much more comfortable working long periods. If you feel you should have had a workstation assessment but have not had one, it is worth talking to your line manager or you can call us to discuss whether you may need one, if you’re not sure.

Could your workplace benefit from a DSE assessment?

Get in touch now!