Workstation Assessment

A Workstation Assessment is usually another term for a DSE Risk Assessment or an Ergonomic Assessment. A Workstation/DSE Risk Assessment is essential for anyone who uses Display Screen Equipment (DSE) as part of their job. They are also known as DSE Self-assessments or VDU (Visual Display Unit) Assessments.

H & S Legislation

Current legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that the employer has a responsibility to make the workplace safe for their employees. Apart from their legal duty, working practices that risk causing injury or prevent recovery in an injured worker affect the productivity of the overall workforce.

A DSE Risk Assessment is required for each worker under the DSE Regulations 1992/2002. The DSE Risk Assessment will review all the tasks performed at the DSE workstation. It is a process to identify risks that may affect the health of the user. It includes looking at the keyboard, mouse, display screen, desk, chair, footrest, and the working environment.

The HSE website has an Office Risk Assessment Tool. There is information about a DSE Risk Assessment and a DSE Risk Assessment Checklist. A DSE Risk Assessment is an Ergonomic Assessment.

Definition of Ergonomics

The definition of Ergonomics by the UK Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) is Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance.

The terms ‘ergonomics’ and ‘human factors’ can be used interchangeably, although ‘ergonomics’ is often used in relation to the physical aspects of the environment, such as workstations and control panels. ‘Human factors’ is often used in relation to wider system in which people work. Ergonomics is matching the job to the worker and the product to the user.

Performing a Workstation DSE Risk Assessment

OHLP can help you assess your workstation through workstation assessment and office ergonomics training. Our training will help the participants in applying ergonomics principles and implementing solutions. Attendees will learn proven methods to reduce and eliminate work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risks in their workplace by:

• Gathering information and tools necessary to analyze workstations, finding problems, and developing solutions for them.

• Show the participants how to set up their workstations to suit the way they work.

  
  

A DSE Risk Assessment includes a checklist of all aspects of the office workstation. There are various checklists available, but it is necessary to ensure that the checklist covers all aspects of the workstation and environment. A DSE Risk Assessment should not just be a ‘tick box’ exercise. Poorly set up workstations can lead to pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. Also, fatigue and eyestrain. Therefore, the assessment should be conducted at least once a year.

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If you aim to improve your mobility, productivity, and pain-free, we are dedicated to supporting you in reaching your objectives. For comprehensive information about our services, please visit our website. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email or our contact page for further assistance