Introduction
If you use an item of display screen equipment for at least one hour or more at a time, you must carry out a DSE assessment every three years.
What an assessment involves
When you carry out an assessment, it will help you to make sure that:
- your workstation is set up correctly and safe for you to use
- you maintain a good posture while at your workstation
- the risk of you experiencing pain or injury is reduced.
During the assessment you will review your:
- desk and workstation and how to make best use of your available space
- monitor, including how to set it up, adjust the brightness and height
- keyboard and its position to check if it's comfortable to use
- mouse or trackball to make sure it fits comfortably in your hand and works correctly
- computer software so that you can work effectively
- chair, to make sure you can adjust it as required and achieve the best seating position
- working environment, including the space, lighting, heating and ventilation.
The assessment may also identify:
- extra equipment that will improve your workstation setup
- other issues or concerns that require a solution.
How to carry out a DSE assessment
Follow these steps to complete your DSE assessment.
A full assessment can take between 20 and 30 minutes depending on any adjustments you may need to make to your equipment or workspace.
1Fill in the online form
2Manager review
When you submit your form, it is automatically sent to your manager for review.
If no issues were raised as part of your assessment, your manager will mark the assessment process as complete. No further action will be taken.
If you have identified any issues, your manager will contact you to:
- discuss what support you need
- look at any equipment or software that may help.
They will then complete their part of the online form to create an action plan.
3What happens next
Once your manager submits their form, the occupational health team will:
- review your action plan
- allocate a member of the safety services team to carry out a workplace assessment (if required).
4Workplace assessment
The workplace assessment may be arranged as a visit or take place via Teams.
The assessor will:
- check your workstation
- look at your individual needs
- identify any equipment or software that may help you, and agree this with you.
5Equipment ordered
If any equipment or software has been identified, this will be ordered for you. The budget holder for your service area will need to approve the purchase.