The Fenn 1875 is accredited to conduct Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments for workstations and home and in the office. The assessments look at risks associated with the use of equipment such as computers, laptops, tablets and any other display screens at work. We analyse how a screen and any of the equipment and accessories like keyboard and mice associated with it could pose a risk to the user.
It’s important for employers to fulfil their obligations around health and safety in accordance with the HSE (DSE) 1992 Act. As our bodies weren’t built for sitting at a desk all day, the assessment is essential to ensure no lasting injuries come as a result of working in an office environment.
Workstation assessments
The DSE assessments can be done virtually and the assessments help employees to evaluate their workstation layout. Looking at a number of components at your workstation, it covers everything from keyboard, mouse, display screen and desk and chair.
Incorrect setups can often result in musculoskeletal injuries such as:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Arm strain
- Eye strain
- Fatigue
It’s recommended that an assessment should be undertaken at least once per year.
Display screen equipment
It’s not only the display screen that needs to be assessed, we also look at the following:
- Screen and additional monitors
- Keyboards
- Mouse
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartphones and desk phones
- Trackballs
- Software
- Furniture
- Environment around you such as lighting, noise and ventilation
What to expect during your assessment
A DSE user assessment will include:
- An Analysis of workstations and how to reduce risks (musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace)
- Addressing risk factors and ensuring risk controls are in place
- Appropriate training and relevant information, understanding ergonomics, and office working
- Product suggestions to help with an ergonomic set up
Do I require a DSE assessment?
If you fall into the following categories, you may need a DSE assessment:
- You work at a fixed workstation
- You work from home or are a mobile worker
- A new workstation is set up or if you change desks regularly (hot-desking)
- A new employee/user joins the work
- A change is made to an existing work environment
- A user complains of existing work conditions, discomfort, back pain, fatigue or eyestrain
