DSE Assessments play a pivotal role in ensuring the heath, comfort and productivity of employees in the workplace. These workstation assessments are crucial tools for identifying and mitigating ergonomic risks that can affect staff, so it is vital to ensure that you have access to the right type of DSE assessment for your needs. Comfortable employees are more likely to remain productive, highlighting the importance of having a well-designed workstation.
Across the market, a variety of workstation assessments are available which cater to diverse needs and preferences. Each assessment type brings its unique advantages and can cater for different requirements and budgets.
DSE Overview
DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment. Under the 1992 Health and Safety Regulations, DSE assessments were introduced to protect workers who use screens. A DSE assessment is required if a worker users display screen equipment daily for an hour or more. This legislation was introduced to protect employee wellbeing and prevent health complications that can be associated with using screens. Poorly designed workstations can create risks to employees, so a DSE assessment can help identify risks and explain potential causes.
Legally, display screen users in companies of 5 or more employers must, by law have a written DSE assessment on file.
Online Workstation Self-Assessments
Our Online Workstation Self-Assessments offer a budget-friendly option into making ergonomic improvements, as they focus on essential adjustments to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
We mostly recommend this type of assessment for small businesses, as it is a cost-effective solution to DSE. The process of completing our online workstation self-assessments involves distributing the self-assessments amongst staff to complete individually. Then, from completing this assessment, we recommend it is checked over by an individual who is ideally DSE qualified. They should check the assessment for any issues that may arise, and then discuss changes that need to be made. If extra support is required, you can contact DSE assessors, such as ourselves. We can help by coming into your workplace to conduct a face-to-face or virtual assessment. By doing this, we can find solutions needed to ensure your workstations are correctly set up and follows DSE guidelines . This can help your workplace by increasing employees’ comfort at their workstation.
Face-to-Face Workstation Assessments
Face-to-face workstation assessments are the most common form of DSE assessments, as the direct interaction between an individual and assessor ensures in depth adjustments can be made to improve an individual’s comfort in their workplace. Assessors identify the risks and factors that can specifically cause discomfort or injury through prolonged use at a workstation. These assessments facilitate real-time demonstrations of ergonomic techniques. Our assessors provide advice and recommendations to help improve productivity within the workplace. Furthermore, they allow for an employee to be able to voice their concerns and seek guidance on ergonomic solutions, which can lead to a happier and more productive workforce.
Through completing a face-to-face assessment, we not only provide the full written assessment but also can help to adjust the workplace. We can do this through suggesting solutions to minimise issues and provide training to ensure individuals are working safely. Usually, around 5% of a company will require a more in-depth action plan to keep them comfortable and safe at work.
Virtual Workstation Assessments
Virtual workstation assessments offer a convenient and flexible alternative to a face-to-face assessments. These are most popular amongst hybrid and remote workers, as they ensure compliance with ergonomic regulations from home. They provide the same real-time advice to employees on how to set up workstations as a face-to-face assessment would, while minimising disruptions to day-to-day schedules. Following the assessment, a full written report is provided, the same as with a face-to-face assessment. The report provides advice to what improvements should be made to your home workstation, significantly increasing your comfort.
Ergopro
Ergopro assessments are particularly useful for larger businesses and organisations. This system uses specialist software and tools to conduct comprehensive workstation evaluations for employees. Following the workstation assessment, Ergopro will provide detail insights on what ergonomic improvements an individual should make.
This online system saves time and money, as it takes care of all administration and reporting through providing automated solutions. All you have to do as an individual or employer is make the suggested adjustments to the workstation to increase comfort of employees and comply with DSE regulations. Furthermore, Ergopro’s system will flag any employee who has not completed their assessment, so no employee slips through the net. Through this, Ergopro can then help to streamline processes.
If you would like more information about this online assessment system, please contact us directly.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of DSE Assessments on the market, which can help all types of businesses and individuals. For further advice on what type of workstation assessment is best suited to you, please feel free to contact us via enquiries@posturepeople.co.uk or give us a call on 0330 332 0880.
