Working with DSE equipment is safe when used correctly, however poor working postures, excessive and prolonged use can cause staff to experience health problems. These include musculoskeletal problems such as aches and pains in their back, shoulders, neck, arms, wrists, hands or fingers and temporary visual fatigue, with symptoms such as blurred vision, sore eyes and headaches. The risk of developing these health problems is generally low but can increase if good practice is not followed.
What is DSE equipment?
There are four main types of DSE equipment in use in the Trust:
- Desktop computers
- Workstation on wheels (WOWs)
- Laptops and other similar portable computers
- Rovers and other handheld device
What is a DSE user?
A DSE user is a member of staff who uses any type of DSE equipment as a significant part of their normal work. Staff will be generally classified as a DSE user if most or all of the following apply:
- normally uses DSE for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time
- uses DSE in this way more or less daily
- needs to transfer information quickly to or from the DSE
- needs to apply high levels of attention and concentration
- highly dependent on DSE or have little choice about using it (ie no alternative means)
What are DSE users responsible for?
DSE users are responsible for:
- carrying out DSE self-assessment(s) (line managers to support if required)
- actioning any identified non-compliances that are within their power to resolve
- reporting any outstanding actions to their line manager (eg if additional equipment and/or furniture is required)
- comply with safe systems of work put in place by their line manager eg taking breaks, reporting any symptoms of ill health associated with DSE work
- completing a self-referral to Occupational Health if experiencing ill-health (eg musculoskeletal problems) associated with DSE work (include the completed DSE self-assessment with the referral)
What are line managers responsible for?
Line managers are responsible for:
- identifying staff who are DSE users
- ensuring DSE users are fully trained and informed of the risks associated with DSE work and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risks (see downloads section)
- ensuring that all DSE users complete the relevant DSE self-assessment(s) (offering staff assistance if required)
- ensuring any identified non-compliances from DSE self-assessment(s) are actioned (eg purchasing additional equipment and/or furniture via oracle)
- completing a management referral to Occupational Health if staff report ill-health (eg musculoskeletal problems) associated with DSE work (include the completed DSE self-assessment with the referral)
DSE self-assessments
The following DSE self-assessment(s) are available (see downloads section):
- ONSITE - Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessment
- HOME WORKING - Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessment
- Workstation on wheels checklist
- Laptop and other similar portable computer checklist
- Rovers and other handheld devices checklist
Once the self-assessment(s) are complete, DSE users must action any identified non-compliances that are within their power to resolve. Actions not within the DSE users power to resolve, must be reported to their line manager (eg if additional equipment and/or furniture is required). Line managers must then action any identified non-compliances from DSE self-assessment(s) (eg purchasing additional equipment and/or furniture via oracle).
Following the completion of DSE self-assessment(s), a self or management referral to Occupational Health can be made if staff are experiencing ill-health associated with DSE work eg musculoskeletal problems. Please include a copy of the completed DSE self-assessment(s) with the referral.
Reviewing DSE self-assessment(s)
The DSE self-assessment(s) must be reviewed if:
- there has been a significant change ie new equipment, new software, new furniture, change of location etc
- the DSE user reports ill-health associated with DSE work
Further resources
- Equipment:
- Eyesight tests:
- DSE users who request an eyesight test are entitled to have one free of charge
- To access this, complete the 'Specsavers Voucher Scheme' form (see downloads section) and return to Occupational Health, box 172
- Information leaflets:
More information can be found in the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) policy and procedure.