Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment
Medical Research Council
Background
The UK Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations seek to protect the health of workers by reducing risks from computer and visual display unit work.
Among other things, the regulations require employers to:
- Analyse workstations to assess and reduce risks
- Ensure workstations meet specified minimum requirements.
Project
To ensure compliance with the regulations and to reduce the likelihood of work-related discomfort occurring within the workforce, MRC contracted CCD to complete workstation risk assessments for employees working with computer equipment within office and laboratory environments.
Implementation
A standard risk assessment form was completed for each employee at their workstation to ensure that the equipment and working environment met with the legislative requirements and best practice. A postural exercise was also completed and we advised each employee about seating height, equipment positioning and typing posture.
As part of the risk assessment form, we recorded the actions completed and proposed recommendations for alternative equipment and alterations where necessary. We also helped to source alternative equipment, compiling a reference list of products such as ergonomic keyboards, mice, footrests and documents stands etc.
Outcomes
CCD's involvement in this process ensured that MRC were not only complying with minimum requirements, but could also use our knowledge and experience to provide users with appropriate advice and recommendations for alternative equipment as required.
Find out more
DSE regulations and guidance
http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/guidance.htm