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DSE Assessments: What Are They, And Do You Need One?
February 22, 2023
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Fatigue, vision problems, upper limb issues, back pain, shoulder pain and many other problems are caused due to working for long hours on display screen equipment. In the UK, 477,000 workers faced work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2021-2022. The solution to this problem is conducting DSE assessment and improving the workplace accordingly.
Don’t know what DSE assessment is? Then you are in the right place. This blog will give you an overall idea of DSE assessment. Stay tuned!
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What is DSE?
DSE stand for Display Screen Equipment. A DSE is an electronic device that has a display screen. In an office environment, computer screens are usually considered DSE. However, DSE can be anything with a screen, like laptops, tabs, phones etc., and they also fall under the assessment process.
Examples of DSE
Here is a list of a few examples of DSE:
- Computer
- Laptop
- Smartphone
- CCTV
- TV Screens
- Display Screens of Equipment
- Tabs
What is a DSE assessment?
The DSE assessment is a process of risk assessment. It is conducted on the Display Screen Equipment to identify any risks caused by the equipment. This is an ergonomic assessment to see if an employee’s workstation is causing stress to their body.
In addition, the DSE assessment also analyses the setting arrangements, keyboard, desk, lighting, temperature and other factors that can impact your health.
Why are DSE Assessments Important?
DSE assessments are important for quite a few reasons. First and foremost, they are required by the law. Hence, in order to protect the company and employers from penalties, DSE assessments are a must.
Besides, by conducting DSE assessments, you can provide your employees with a healthy work environment. It will minimise the risk of injuries and discomfort and allow the employees to be more productive.
In addition, DSE risk assessment helps in understanding the flows of the work set-up. As a result, you can identify the area of the workstation that needs improvement. On top of that, employees feel valued when you conduct this assessment. They understand that the company care for their well-being. As a result, they will feel motivated to give their best for the company.
What Constitutes DSE?
The Display Screen Equipment basically covers all the equipment that has a display. Therefore, the DSE assessment covers a good amount of devices. Some of the standard devices are
- Computers
- Laptops
- Smartphone
- Tabs
In addition, you have to consider the devices, the furniture, sitting or standing positions, and lighting. In concussion, all the factors that can impact the health of the individual fall under the DSE assessment.
What is the Purpose of a DSE assessment?
The core purpose of the DSE assessment is to find out any risk that may cause damage to the employees’ health. Through the DSE assessment, you can understand the drawbacks of the work settings. Its aim is to ensure the employees are safe and not under any potential health risks caused by the workplace.
Do I Need to Take A DSE assessment?
If your work requires working with digital screen equipment, you should take a DSE assessment. It will allow you to identify the health risks in your work area. Therefore, you can work on them and ensure your safety.
On the other hand, if you are an employer, then you must conduct a DSE assessment. It is not only a legal requirement but also essential for creating a safe and productive workplace.
DSE Assessment Tool
You can find a good deal of software on the internet that is designed for DSE assessment. The software will ask a set of questions. You have to answer these questions in order to complete the assessment. Besides them, there are DSE assessment form templates available on the internet. You can conduct the assessment by filling up the form.
Is a DSE Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Yes, it is a legal requirement. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, 1992 has set up a list of regulations for workstations and DSE. Every organisation must conduct DSE assessment, or they will have to face the consequences. The DSE assessment is mandatory for both office workstations and home-based workstations. Also, it is important that the organisation must conduct the assessment with proper attention and not just to avoid legal consequences.
When should a DSE Assessment be Carried Out?
Companies should conduct the DSE assessment after setting up a new workstation. Moreover, every time a new employee joins or a significant change is made in the workplace; you must carry out a DSE assessment.
Along with that, if any employee complains about discomfort or safety risks, a DSE assessment must be carried out.
When should a DSE Assessment be Reviewed?
The DSE assessment needs reviewing if there is a change in the law, equipment or workstation. However, frequent reviews can help eliminate any potential risks and support the well-being of the employees. Also, the authorities should address the identified issues after the review.
Who would Require a DSE Assessment?
Does someone need DSE assessment or not will depend on a few factors. Here is a list of the core factors that will help you determine if you need a DSE assessment.
- If the workstation includes equipment with display screens like computers, laptops, projectors etc.
- People who work from home
- If they change their workstation frequently
- Employees who work for long hours sitting or standing in the same position
Who Carries Out the DSE Assessment?
There are qualified DSE assessors who carry out a DSE assessment. However. Any employee can conduct a DSE assessment using software or assessment forms. If an employee conducts the assessment, the result must be reviewed by a trained professional.
It is very important to make the analysis in the proper manner. Otherwise, the company may overlook some of the risks. There are online courses available on DSE assessment. You can enrol in these training programs and equip yourself with the right skills.
Workplace Health and Safety Diploma
This course designed to teach you practical skills in risk management, promoting a safe working environment, safety regulations, laws and conflict resolution.
Workplace Health and Safety Diploma
This course designed to teach you practical skills in risk management, promoting a safe working environment, safety regulations, laws and conflict resolution.
Why should You do a DSE Assessment for Your Employees?
As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for your employees. When you conduct DSE assessments and implement the changes, your employees feel valued. As a result, they become more productive and loyal to your organisation.
Besides, conducting a DSE assessment will promote the well-being of your employees. Thus, the number of hours wasted due to sick leave will reduce; it will boost your company’s performance and generate more revenue.
Furthermore, It is a legal requirement for employers to conduct DSE assessments. Hence, as an employer, if you don’t follow this legislation, you may have to pay a severe penalty.
How do You Carry Out a DSE assessment?
There are two ways you can carry out a DSE assessment. Firstly, you can conduct the evaluation by yourself through DSE assessment software on your mobile or DSE assessment form. However, you can ask your employees to conduct the assessment if you are an employer.
Secondly, you can hire professional DSE assessors and let them investigate and report on your workstation. This process will help you take more effective measures to reduce potential health risks.
Should DSE Assessments of Workstations be Documented?
Documenting is a mandatory step of DSE assessment. There are a few guidelines regarding the documenting process.
First, It should provide an outline of the activities that take place in the workstation. The description should be brief yet comprehensive.
Second, the document must provide enough data to prove that the assessment was conducted according to the regulations.
Third, a clear description of the required actions for resolving the issues. For example, identifying when and how the actions need to be taken. Moreover, it should also include the issues that require follow-up.
Is an Employee Entitled to Any Type of Training if They Work with a Display Screen Equipment Workstation?
It is expected that employers provide training on DSE. This training is required before new employees join and when there is a significant change in the workstation. This training should include some fundamental topics. For instance, the right way to adjust the furniture, keyboard, lighting, screen etc. Furthermore, it should describe the correct positioning of the mouse, telephone and other important tools.
Along with face-to-face training, the company can also provide online training. Right now, there are many online courses on workplace health and safety. These course is also an excellent way to train the employees in this regard.
Workplace Health and Safety Diploma
This course designed to teach you practical skills in risk management, promoting a safe working environment, safety regulations, laws and conflict resolution.
Workplace Health and Safety Diploma
This course designed to teach you practical skills in risk management, promoting a safe working environment, safety regulations, laws and conflict resolution.
What are the Benefits of DSE Assessments?
Working with DSE can affect your posture, lower back, upper limbs, shoulders and eyesight. Hence, the first and most significant benefit of DSE assessment is it helps to protect your physical health. In addition, there are also many business benefits of conducting this assessment.
DSE Assessments: the Business Benefits
DSE assessment can bring a handful of advantages for your business. Here is a list of some of the core benefits you receive from DSE assessment
- It promotes employee well-being and boosts morale
- Increased productivity due to the decrease in sick leave
- Develops a healthy and positive work culture
- Reduces the compensation claims for upper limb disorders
FAQs
Is an employee who’s transferred to another workstation entitled to a new workstation analysis?
It is important to conduct DSE assessment every time you hire a new employee or transfer an employee to another workstation. On top of that, you will require a DSE assessment if there is a significant change in the current work environment.
Are laptops covered under DSE assessments?
According to the HSE, laptops fall under the Display Screen Equipment. All the rules and regulations applied to other DSE tools should also be applied to laptops.
Can I Conduct a DSE Workstation Risk Assessment Myself?
Yes, you can conduct a DSE workstation risk assessment by yourself. You can either use a DSE assessment software or a checklist form. But make sure you share the findings with someone who has professional training in this area.
How much does a DSE assessment cost?
If you conduct the assessment by yourself, you can do it for free. However, if you call professionals, they will charge you according to their listing and the hours they will put into it. Some charge per person, while others charge per hour.
When should dse assessments be carried out?
DSE assessments should be done when employees use screens for work to ensure their health and safety.
Final Words
DSE assessment is a crucial factor that helps organisations promote the health and safety of their employees. It also plays a part in creating awareness along the workers about their own health. So, whether you are an employee or an employer, don’t forget to conduct a DSE assessment.
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