DSE Assessments

Why DSE Assessments Are Crucial

A DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment is an indispensable tool for ensuring the well-being and productivity of employees whilst also adhering to DSE regulations set out in Health and Safety law. DSE assessments need to be carried out regularly, especially when a new workstation is set up, or an employee reports pain or discomfort whilst working. Each DSE assessment must focus on factors including:

• The Screen

  When it comes to the safe and optimal use of the computer screen employees require to carry out their work, the key objectives of a DSE assessment are to:

  • Enhance Comfort: A DSE assessment will evaluate things such as screen size, screen stability, and screen adjustability, to ensure user comfort, clear visuals for better readability, and to help reduce or remove eye strain.

  • Provide Customisation: The customisation options of a DSE assessment allow employees to adjust screen settings, height, and angle to suit their preferences and physical needs, to help enhance and optimise comfort, especially when working over long periods.

  • Increase Efficiency: DSE assessments are also used to optimise efficiency by weighing in certain factors, such as recommending smaller screens over bigger screens to reduce excessive and cumbersome desk furniture and to enhance user comfort.

• The Keyboard and Mouse

  To ensure employees are getting the most from their keyboard and mouse, and using them safely, the main objectives of a DSE assessment will be to ensure:

  • Hygiene and Usability: Keyboards employees use must be kept clean and in good working order, both for usability and proper functioning. A DSE assessment will recommend dust and debris is routinely removed, and faulty keyboards are quickly repaired.

  • Mouse Comfort: To avoid employees suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), A DSE assessment will recommend a mouse fit the user's hand comfortably, and mouse mats should be available on demand to help ensure comfort and suitable support.

• The Workspace

  As well as the specific digital equipment, desks, and the overall workspace also come under scrutiny with a DSE assessment, ensuring employees have:

  • Comfortable Desks: A DSE assessment will recommend that work desks have a low reflective surface to prevent glare, and also be spacious enough to accommodate necessary equipment and tasks required to carry out processes.

  • Comfortable Chairs: Chair comfort and support are essential for all deskbound workers, and a DSE assessment will recommend that chairs must be stable, and offer adequate support and comfort, with specific back supports offered to employees who need them.

  • Suitable Footrests (if necessary): Footrests can also be a recommendation in a DSE assessment, as they can be an essential element to a workspace with a desk, particularly for smaller employees who cannot comfortably reach the floor.

• Environmental Factors

  As well as the equipment employees are required to use, environmental factors will also come into consideration with a DSE assessment, ensuring employees have:

  • Decent Air Quality: Proper air circulation is vital to prevent headaches and fatigue. A DSE assessment will recommend workspaces need openable windows, and even indoor plants to help improve overall air quality for all employees.

  • Suitable Working Temperatures: Maintaining a comfortable temperature for employees to work in is also essential. Therefore, the DSE assessment will recommend heaters or air-conditioning be provided as a means of temperature control when required.