11.09.2024

Ein Leitfaden für die Bewertung von DSE-Arbeitsplätzen

Viele Arbeitnehmer arbeiten heute lange Zeit am Bildschirm. Technologie kann zwar die Produktivität steigern und ist ein notwendiger Bestandteil vieler Aufgaben, doch kann eine unsachgemäße Einrichtung des Arbeitsplatzes zu Beschwerden und sogar zu Verletzungen führen. Hier kommt die Bewertung von Bildschirmgeräten (DSE) ins Spiel. Diese Bewertungen können dazu beitragen, dass die Arbeitsplätze so eingerichtet werden, dass der Komfort optimiert und Gesundheitsrisiken verringert werden. In diesem Leitfaden werden wir die wichtigsten Komponenten der DSE-Bewertungen untersuchen, warum sie erforderlich sind und wie Sie sie an Ihrem Arbeitsplatz effektiv durchführen können.

What is a DSE assessment?

A DSE assessment is an evaluation that is carried out to ensure workstations are set up in a way that minimises health risks associated with working at a desk and with computers.

The DSE assessment will analyse various factors that could contribute to these kinds of health risks, and evaluations will be made to ensure people can work safely and comfortably.

Why are DSE assessments required?

DSE assessments are important because they protect workers from health problems that can come when someone works at a desk for long periods. If a workstation is not set up correctly, individuals can suffer from eye strain, fatigue, repetitive strain injury, and problems with their back and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Conducting DSE assessments and making the necessary adjustments to create an ergonomic workstation can therefore improve employee health and wellbeing, resulting in improved productivity and reduced absences from illness.

Who needs DSE assessments?

Anyone classified as a DSE user will need a DSE assessment. A DSE user will be someone who regularly works at a computer or screen for longer than an hour during their working day.

This will include employees who work at a fixed workstation in the office, people who work remotely, including people who work from home, plus people who hot desk at work.

A DSE assessment should be carried out for new employees, when a new workstation is set up for an existing employee (whether in the office or at home), when a workstation is modified, and/or if an employee says they have been experiencing some sort of pain or discomfort that could be linked to using DSE.

Who is responsible for carrying out DSE assessments?

It is the employer's responsibility to carry out DSE assessments. Employers are required by law to carry out these assessments regularly. Where a risk is identified, the employer must make reasonable adjustments to the employee’s workstation to ensure it complies with regulations.

The employer must also cover costs for eye tests when requested by employees who use DSE, plus provide training to help employees maintain a healthy working environment.

The employee also has a degree of duty of care in the workplace over their own health and safety. They must follow training and guidelines provided by the employer and ensure they don’t do anything that could put themselves or others at risk.

What is looked at during a DSE assessment?

DSE includes desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. During a DSE assessment, the entire workstation that includes these sorts of devices will be evaluated, which could include the keyboard, mouse, desk, chair and surrounding environment, such as lighting and noise level.

As part of the DSE assessment, employers will need to consider the type of work the employee is doing, for example, is the employee working for long periods at a screen? The employer will also need to evaluate if any special considerations are required for the individual, such as if they have a disability.

There are a number of different factors that will need to be reviewed during the DSE assessment. This will include:

Position of the screen/s
Position of the keyboard and mouse
Position and accessibility of other regularly used equipment
Readability of text on the screen/s
Position and height of the chair
Position and height of the desk
Space available around the workstation
Suitability of the lighting
Comfortable levels of heat
Comfortable levels of noise

How are DSE assessments carried out?

DSE assessments can be conducted in various ways. Many businesses choose to carry out self-assessments, where each individual employee analyses their own workstation. This evaluation can then be checked by a health and safety officer or whoever is responsible for the DSE assessments in the business, ideally someone with the necessary training and expertise.

The employee should be given proper guidance on what to look for during their DSE assessment. The government offers a handy DSE workstation checklist that you can distribute to employees to review their workstations.

Many businesses choose to use DSE assessment software to support their testing. This can help to streamline the process by simplifying the administration and reporting needed for a DSE review. These types of online tests will still need to be checked by the person responsible for DSE assessments in the workplace.

After the test, the results should be reviewed and necessary actions should be taken. Where there is an issue, this should be rectified as soon as possible. This could be as simple as repositioning the equipment on the workstation, so it is set up correctly. In some instances, the individual may need additional ergonomic equipment to support their working.

Tips to create a DSE assessment-compliant ergonomic workstation

Creating an ergonomic workstation requires the right ergonomic design. To do this, you will need to ensure you have provided your employees with the right equipment. Below are just some accessories that can support safe working for DSE users. For more detailed information, take a look our guide on how to set up the perfect ergonomic workstation.

Sit stand desk

A sit stand desk is a great addition to a DSE workstation. Many of the issues that come from working at a computer for extended periods are related to sitting in one position, as this puts strain on certain muscle groups. As well as taking breaks and moving around throughout the day, alternating between sitting and standing can help to reduce the health risks of being in one position for too long.

A standing desk converter from Leitz will allow your employees to easily switch between working whilst sitting and working whilst standing throughout the day. This can help to encourage movement, improve posture and increase energy levels. Our sit stand desk converter is strong and stable, rising and lowering in its own footprint for seamless transitions.

Laptop and monitor risers

A key part of DSE assessment is ensuring the screens are in the correct position, i.e. at or just below the eyeline. Often this means using an adjustable laptop riser and/or monitor stands to elevate the screens to the correct height.

At Leitz, our laptop and monitor stands are adjustable, so they can easily reach the optimal viewing height for each individual. Our laptop stands are ergonomically designed to maximise comfort, with various heights and angles offered, all while keeping laptops safe and secure.

Ergonomic office chair

Getting the right ergonomic office chair is vital to minimising the risk of back pain at work. The employee’s main office chair should be height adjustable and provide adequate lumbar support.

You could also provide alternate office chairs to be used alongside a traditional chair. This could include a sitting ball, which encourages movement and core strength. When used for short periods at a time, a sitting ball can be a great way of keeping active whilst working.

You could also offer our ergonomic office stool, designed to be used at both sitting and standing desks. With a rocking base, our stool provides extra support for employees whilst also encouraging active working. Like the ball, this should be used in conjunction with a traditional office chair, to ensure the employee always has adequate back support when needed.

Foot rests and other supports

Part of the DSE assessment will look at whether the employee is working comfortably with all their equipment in the correct position. This may mean they require extra supports to maintain good posture without straining muscles.

When sitting, people should have their feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90 degree angle. For those whose feet won’t reach the floor in this position, a foot rest will be a great addition to their workstation. Our foot rest can be used with a flat base for support, or flipped over to the rocking base to encourage movement while working, keeping muscles active and promoting healthy blood flow.

An anti-fatigue mat can be perfect for those who require additional support under their feet while working at a standing desk. Similarly, a wrist rest can help individuals to avoid fatigue by holding their arms in the correct position when using a keyboard or mouse. Your DSE assessment and conversations with your employees should help to determine exactly what each individual needs for their optimum workstation.

Leitz has a huge range of ergonomic office accessories to support productive working and create safe, comfortable working environments.

You can read more about the importance of workstation ergonomics and supporting your employees below:

The Importance of Correct Desk Posture

How to Support Good Employee Health and Wellbeing

How to Prevent Back Pain at Work

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