DSE MYTHS….Simplifying DSE in the workplace.

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GET THE FACTS

• What is DSE?

• What are your obligations?

• What conditions can arise?

• What are your options?

• Discuss with Occupational Health.

• Don’t go straight to equipment providers.

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BASIC FACTS..

• The Health & Safety DSE Regulations 1992

• It’s true that some people can develop ill health symptoms such as..

• Musculoskeletal conditions.

• Headaches and eye strain.

• BUT correct workstation set up can avoid most problems.

• A specialist assessment may be needed for employees with pre existing conditions.

• USE Occupational Health for this.. not an equipment company or Facilities.

• They are NOT medically trained.

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POSTURE POSTERDisplay this everywhere and use as a screensaver where possible.

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TRAIN EMPLOYEES TO DO THEIR OWN ASSESSMENT..

• This is simple.

• Similar to adjusting your position in a different car.

• Can then be done frequently….So early identification of issues.

• Have a simple process to report issues.

• Get Management involved.

• Don’t pay a member of staff to do other employee’s assessment.

• Don’t pay an external company who want to sell you stuff.

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DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE HSE GUIDANCE.

• It’s all free to download.

• It’s easy to understand.

• Includes DSE Checklists.

• Includes DSE assessment information.

• Includes Posture posters etc..

• Just put HSE and DSE into Google.

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ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS..

• These are needed when an employee has a medical condition.

• When an employee is returning to work after significant diagnosis.

• Should be done by Occupational Health or specialist Physiotherapist.

• Someone needs to have medical knowledge of the condition.

• Condition may be likely to fall under provision of Equality Act 2010.

• Reasonable adjustments may be indicated.

• Don’t use inappropriately trained people to do this!

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EQUIPMENT..

• Generally not required unless a specialist assessment advises.

• Beware shopping from a catalogue.

• The wrong equipment can make problem worse.

• You are then liable.

• What medical knowledge have you got to make a choice of specialist equipment?

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CHAIRS…• In good repair, with a five pronged base on

casters for stability.

• You must be able to adjust it to adopt a correct and comfortable posture.

• The height should be adjustable up and down allowing you to move your legs comfortably.

• A backrest adjustment to fit and support the small of your back and spine.

• Back adjustable in height and tilt.

• Armrests (if required) for reading, writing and general desk work.

• In other words a standard office chair.

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OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS…

• Do not issue wrist rests for wrist pain…get OH advice.

• Ensure employees’ working position is same as posture poster.

• Very tall and very small employees may need specialist chairs etc..

• Access to Work may fund equipment for employees under Equality Act.

• Don’t pay for in house eye tests…use an optician as eye examination is needed under the Regs.

• Consider Eye Care Vouchers.

• Ask OH advice on most cost effective approach for your business.

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Jean Fisher RGN OHNCDirector of the Occupational Health Business Ltd.www.theohbusiness.co.uk

Inspiring business to have a budget for health as well as sickness….I’m on…TwitterFacebookLinkedInSlideshare07864 006850jean.fisher@theohbusiness.co.uk