Title Page
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Site conducted
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DSE User Name
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DSE Location
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Date of Assessment
Questionare
Are you a DSE User?
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If necessary, could you adequately complete your daily tasks, without using DSE?
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On an average day, what do you consider the maximum length of time you would CONTINUOUSLY use DSE, without having a break or doing something else?
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On average, how many days a week would you use DSE continually for a period of one hour or more?
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Your Total Score
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⬆ Look at the top of this section it will give you a score out of 13 ⬆
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If your total score is less than 7, you are not a DSE User.
If your total score is 7 or higher, you are a defined DSE User. Please complete a DSE Workstation Assessment.
If:
• you have scored higher than 7; and
• you use DSE most days continually for a period of one hour or more without a break to do something else; then
you are entitled to apply for a Eye Test Voucher by completing the declaration below. -
I confirm the information I have provided is an accurate assessment of my average daily DSE use
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Signed :
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I confirm this above staff member is entitled to apply for an Eye Test Voucher
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Signed:
DSE Workstation Risk Assessment Section
Why are we doing this?
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Sections 1 to 6 of this DSE Workstation Assessment should be completed for all workstations, whether or not they are used by DSE Users. Section 7 must be completed for each defined DSE User
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Where workstations are used infrequently by employees who are not DSE Users, the standards required of the workstation will be less than one that is
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Consider each of the risk factors and answer each question either Yes or No. Where a No answer is given, consider the possible management actions suggested and record what action is taken in the Action/Comments column
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Review the assessment annually or sooner if there are significant changes to the workplace, workstation or in working arrangements, following a relevant workstation-related incident or ill health related to the use of DSE
Risk Factors
1. Display Screens
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Are the characters clear and readable?
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Make sure the screen is clean & that cleaning materials are available
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Check that text and background colours work well together
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Is the text size comfortable to read?
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Software settings may need adjusting to alter text size
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Adjust text & background colours. If problems persist, arrange for repair
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Is the image stable i.e. clear of flicker?
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Intensive graphic work or fine attention to detail may require a larger screen size
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Is the screen’s specification suitable for its intended use?
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Are the brightness and/or contrast adjustable?
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Separate adjustment controls are not essential if the user can read the screen at all times
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Does the screen swivel & tilt?
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Swivel & tilt mechanisms may not be fitted but can be added. The screen may need replacing if the mechanism is absent/unsatisfactory, work is intensive or the user has problems getting a comfortable position
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Is the screen free from glare and reflections?
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The screen or desk may need to be moved and/or the screen may need shielding. Screens that use dark characters on a light background are less prone to glare & reflections
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Are adjustable window coverings provided and in good condition?
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Check that blinds work. Vertical blinds can be better than horizontal ones
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If this does not work, consider anti-glare screen filters as a last resort
2. Keyboards
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This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (e.g. when there is a need to use a laptop computer)
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Provide a keyboard that tilts
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Ensure the users arms are bent at the elbow & forearms and wrists horizontal
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Try pushing the keyboard further back to create more room for the keyboard, hands and wrists. Users of thick keyboards may need a wrist rest
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Provide training to prevent users:
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hands being bent at the wrist
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hitting the keys too hard
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overstretching the fingers
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Keyboards should be kept clean. If characters still cannot be read, the keyboard may need modifying or replacing
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Use a keyboard with a matt finish to reduce glare and/or reflection
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Is the keyboard separate from the screen?
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Does the keyboard tilt?
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Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?
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Does the user have good keyboard technique?
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Are the characters on the keys easily readable?
3. Matters to Consider
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Mouse, Trackball etc
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If the user is having problems, try a different device – they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Touch screens may be better for some tasks but can be worse for others
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Most devices are placed as close as possible i.e. right beside the keyboard. Training may help prevent:
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arm overreaching
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the user leaving their hand on the device when it is not being used
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a relaxed arm and straight wrist
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Support may be gained from the desk or chair arm. If not, a separate supporting device may help the user find a comfortable working position
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See if cleaning is required. Check the work surface is suitable. A mouse mat may be needed
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Train users to be able to adjust software settings
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Is the device suitable for the tasks it is used for?
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Is the device positioned close to the user?
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Is there support for the device user’s wrist and forearm?
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Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?
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Can the speed and accuracy of the pointer be adjusted by software settings?
4. Software
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Ensure that the software enables the user to carry out the task required, minimises stress and is user-friendly. It should respond quickly & clearly to user input, with adequate help facilities such as clear help messages
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Train users how to use the software efficiently
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Is the software suitable for the task?
5. Furniture
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Create more room by moving printers, reference material etc. elsewhere
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If necessary, consider providing new power and telecom sockets so equipment can be moved
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There should be some scope for flexible arrangement
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Rearrange equipment, papers etc. to bring frequently used things within easy reach
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A document holder may be needed, positioned to minimise uncomfortable head & eye movements
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Consider mats or blotters to reduce reflections
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The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms
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Ensure that the user can carry out their work sitting comfortably
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Train the user in how to adopt suitable postures whilst working
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Ensure that the arms of chairs do not stop the user getting close enough to use the equipment comfortably
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Move any obstructions from under the desk
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Is the work surface large enough for all the necessary equipment, papers etc?
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Can the user comfortably reach all the equipment & papers they need to use?
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Are surfaces free from glare & reflection?
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Is the chair suitable and stable?
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Does the chair have a working
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Seat back height and tilt adjustment?
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Seat height adjustment?
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Swivel mechanism?
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Castors or glides?
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Is the chair adjusted correctly?
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Is the small of the back supported by the chair’s backrest?
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Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the display screen?
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Are feet flat on the floor without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?
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Adjust the backrest so that the user can sit with a straight back, supported by the chair, with relaxed shoulders.
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Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position, and then adjust the screen height, if necessary
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Provide a footrest if required
6. Environment
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Space is needed to move, stretch and fidget. Consider reorganising the office layout and check for obstructions. Cables should be organised so that they are not a trip or snagging hazard
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Adjust light sources e.g. by adjusting window blinds or light switches
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Consider shading or repositioning light sources or providing local lighting e.g. desk lamps, but ensure that they do not cause glare
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Display screens may dry the air. Circulate fresh air if possible. Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe
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Adjust the room temperature. More ventilation or air-conditioning may be required if there is a lot of electrical equipment in the room. Move users away from heat sources
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Consider moving sources of noise e.g. printers, photocopiers away from the user. If not, consider the use of dividers or screen around workstations to reduce noise
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Is there enough room to change position and vary movement?
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Is the lighting suitable i.e. not too bright or too dim to work comfortably?
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Does the air feel comfortable?
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Is the room temperature comfortable?
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Are noise levels comfortable?
7. The User
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This section must be completed for each defined DSE User
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Ensure users take frequent short breaks from the screen and keyboard by carrying out other work tasks. This is more beneficial than taking longer less frequent breaks
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Advise the user of current arrangements for eye and eyesight tests. Human Resources Dept. can advise you
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Replace telephone headsets with those fitted with suitable volume controls
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Replace telephone headsets with those fitted with suitable acoustic shock limiters
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Does the user take regular breaks working away from DSE?
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Has the user been advised of their entitlement to eye and eyesight tests?
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Where telephone headsets are worn can volume levels be reduced by the user?
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Is the telephone headset fitted with an acoustic shock limiter, which protects against uncontrolled peaks of noise?
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(e.g. electronic interference or deliberate loud noises through the telephone call)
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Has the checklist covered all the problems that the user may have with their DSE including any symptoms of discomfort?
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List below any other problems raised by the user and agree on suitable actions to resolve the problems:
Signatures
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DSE User’s Name:
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Manager’s Name:
