Frequently asked workstation assessment related questions.
Molly Woollett
15/03/24
Frequently asked workstation assessment related questions.
15/03/24
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.
What is taken into consideration when conducting a WSA?
Where there are risks, they should take steps to reduce them.
Whilst there is a helpful DSE checklist which allows users to assess their own workstation and packages which can help train users and help them take part in assessments, this software is not an assessment on its own. Employers and employees should always make sure a trained assessor looks at any user self-assessment results (whether these are software or paper based). The assessor should clear up any doubtful points, provide feedback to users and make sure problems are put right, for example by changes to the DSE or workstation.
Employers must provide health and safety training and information for display screen equipment (DSE) users. Training should be about the risks in DSE work and how to avoid these by safe working practices. It should include:
Employers should also tell users about the general arrangements they have made for health and safety in their DSE work, and how they can apply for an eye test. Also consider explaining how to use a DSE workstation checklist if users are going to make their own assessment.
Employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for employees working from home as for any other employees, including the duty not to charge for things done or provided pursuant to their specific requirements. If you have staff working at home, you must still manage the risks to their health from display screen equipment (DSE).
