Why the DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessment?

These exist to ensure that The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations of 1992 are properly implemented within organisations. The 1992 regulations have been amended recently therefore it is important that organisations ensure that they are compliant.
Other legislation that covers this area include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and all subsequent legislation empowered through this. This includes employers 'duty of care' and falls under criminal law.
• Workplace Regulations - DSE is part of these
• The Disability Discrimination Act

Should your working environment not meet these requirements in law, you may be vulnerable to litigation. Alongside that, the productivity of the organisation and that of your staff may be being compromised. Problems arising out of an inefficient work environment for your staff may include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Eye and eyesight defects
• Fatigue and stress
• Epilepsy
• Dermititis

Those with special needs such as pregnant women or people with disabilities may have unique needs and these must be addressed also.

Employers Duties

The Regulations contain a set of general objectives for employers. These include:

• Analysing workstations and assessing and reducing risks - also ensuring that these reach minimum requirements and that these assessments are regularly reviewed
• Analysing daily work routine including provision for regular breaks and changes of activity
• Providing eye and eyesight testing
• Providing health and safety training in regards of equipment regularly used
• Providing adequate information concerning the health and safety issues surrounding equipment

A DSE assessment will look at existing provisions in line with the above, as well as:

• A detailed assessment of individual's workstations including furniture and equipment
• The wider environment including lighting; temperature and humidity; space and noise levels
• Highlighting areas of risk/for action

How do we conduct a DSE assessment?

An assessor will visit your place of work and meet with management prior to making any individual assessments. We meet in order to find out about existing provisions and interventions and to find out more about your organisation and what it does. Your assessor will also want to know about any problems or concerns that both management and their staff may have.

We then arrange a convenient time for the assessor to visit individuals at their workstations. The assessor uses paper based reporting methods as well as demonstrating and talking to the individuals. The amount of time it takes to make an assessment may vary but we will always seek to cause as little disruption as possible.

What happens next?

The assessor will report back on any areas of risk or non-compliance and make suggestions to remedy these if they exist. We can refer you to providers of specialist equipment and training if necessary and will arrange a follow up visit. You may contact us if circumstances change such as after office moves, relocations or if new staff join. Remember that controlling risk is an ongoing process that requires constant review.

Contact us to discuss your requirements or if you have any questions. Our fees are negotiable depending upon your requirements. For more details of DSE regulations, please visit www.hse.gov.uk.