Display Screen Equipment:

Appendix 2

DSE workstation assessment for homeworkers The following text can be used as an analysis and risk assessment template. It is designed for completion by those that, by agreement or by contract, work on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) at home. It is recommended for all who work at home on a regular basis (that is, one or more days per week), or on an occasional but intensive basis (for example, intensive key work for any period of 6 hours or more in any one day).

Name of User:

Job Title:

Line Manager:

Date of Assessment:

Assessment checked by:

This assessment covers the main hazards associated with working from home, namely, electrical safety, DSE and trips and falls. Prior to embarking on a regular home working arrangement, it is important that the following conditions are met. •

You must have a suitable workstation, an adjustable operator chair and a preferably a desktop computer system

•

If a laptop is used, it must be equipped with a docking set up with separate monitor and keyboard

•

Desktop systems, including printers, that are provided by MRC for use at home should properly set up and will be subject to the same cyclical electrical testing arrangements as work based equipment

•

If you are using your own electrical equipment, it must be in good condition and electrically sound. If this equipment is more than three years old or it was purchased second hand then it is recommended that it be tested by an approved electrical appliance tester.

Proceed to the assessment. Using the illustrations overleaf for guidance, work through the checklist, ticking either the "Y" or "N" column against each risk factor: •

Y (="yes") answers require no further action.

•

N (="no") answers will require investigation and/or remedial action.

On completion, the form should be passed onto the Unit Safety Co-ordinator (or nominated person) with a photograph of the workstation set up and equipment. These will be reviewed and a copy of the recommendations will be returned to you and the relevant Manager to follow up.

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Display Screen Equipment:

Appendix 2

Homeworkers and their line managers are responsible for ensuring that Policy requirements are met and that any recommendations provided by the Unit Safety Co-ordinator are carried out prior to commencing the home working arrangement. Display Screen Equipment Display screen equipment such as computers and VDU’s are commonly used in our workplace. There are a number of associated health problems such as musculo-skeletal problems, visual fatigue and headaches that can be a result of a poor workstation set up or prolonged use. In order to avoid these problems DSE equipment users should:•

Ensure that the individual is registered within the Unit as a user and receives the self-assessment checklist. The Unit Safety Co-ordinator will arrange for a trained assessor to check the workstation and follow up any recommended remedial action.

•

Take regular breaks away from the workstation, at least one per hour or more frequent if you are completing intensive or repetitive work. A break could be as simple as standing up and performing stretches for three to five minutes.

•

If you experience pain or fatigue that you suspect may be DSE related it is important that you report this to your line manager immediately.

Workstation set up diagram. Please set up your workstation and equipment following this example prior to completing the assessment questionnaire.

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Display Screen Equipment: Risk

Y

Appendix 2 N

Action/comments

Guidance

ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS Is the workstation positioned close to an electrical outlet?

The workstation should be positioned to ensure electrical cables do not have to trail across walkways or do not require an extension lead.

Are there sufficient plug outlets available?

The use of multi plug adaptors should be avoided.

Is the equipment less than three years old and purchased from new?

Old or second hand equipment should be electrically tested to ensure that it is safe to use.

Does the equipment appear in good condition?

Inspect all external casings and monitor screen for damage.

Are power cables and plugs in good condition?

Check plugs and cables for damage. TURN OFF POWER BEFORE REMOVAL.

Where the use of extended cables under or next to the work area is unavoidable, are they secured and tidy?

All cables should be secured and tidy so that they do not become entangled with feet.

CHAIR Is the chair stable & suitable for the user? Does the chair have a working: - seat back height and tilt adjustment? - Seat height adjustment?

The chair will need replacing if it does not have adjustment mechanisms or these are faulty.

Is the chair adjusted correctly?

Adjust the chair height to sit with elbows at approx. 90º & 2cm above the desk when touching the G & H keys. The chair should be adjusted so the seat is slightly tilted forward. If the arms of chairs prevent you getting close enough to use the equipment comfortably they should be removed.

Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the screen?

A monitor stand will be required if you need to raise the height of the screen.

Is the lower back supported by the chair's backrest

Sit right back in the chair so your back is straight and supported at all times.

Are your feet flat on the floor?

A footrest is required if your feet do not rest flat on the floor.

DISPLAY SCREEN Are you facing the screen?

The screen should be positioned in front of you to avoid any twisting.

Is the screen at the correct height and distance?

The height of the screen should be roughly at eye level and positioned at arm’s length. A monitor stand may be required.

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Display Screen Equipment:

Appendix 2

Does the screen swivel and tilt?

Consider replacing the screen if swivel/tilt is absent or unsatisfactory.

Are the brightness and or contrast adjustable?

Separate adjustment controls are not essential, provided the user can read the screen easily at all times.

Are the characters clear and readable?

Make sure the screen is clean. Check that text and background colours work well together. Software settings may need adjusting to change text size.

Is the image stable, that is, free of flicker?

Try using difference screen colours to reduce flicker, for example darker background and lighter text. If problem persists contact ICT support.

Is the screen's specification suitable for your work?

For example, intensive graphic work or work requiring fine attention to small details may require large display screens.

Is the screen free from glare and reflections?

Adjust the screen to reduce glare or make use of window blinds.

KEYBOARD Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?

Create more room for the keyboard, hands and wrists by pushing the display screen further back

Do you have a good keyboard technique?

The wrists should be straight and supported on the desk surface or wrist rest.

MOUSE Is the mouse correctly positioned?

The mouse should be positioned on your dominant hand, and positioned so you do not have to overreach to operate. Try not to leave your hand on the device when it is not being used.

Is the wrist supported?

The wrist should be straight and supported on the desk surface or using a wrist rest.

Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?

A mouse mat should be used. The mouse may need cleaning or replacing; Refer to ICT support.

TELEPHONE Is the phone positioned correctly?

The phone should be positioned on your dominant hand and positioned so you do not have to overreach to operate.

Is the cable in good condition?

The cable should be long enough so you can use the phone whilst sitting upright in your chair; Cables will tangle up so they should be regularly de-tangled

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Display Screen Equipment:

Appendix 2

WORKSURFACE Is the work surface large enough for all the necessary equipment?

Create more room with multilevel trays for papers/documents and maintaining a clear desk policy.

Can you comfortably reach all the papers you need to use?

If the work involves a lot of copying words or data from paper, you should use a document holder to reduce repetitive head and eye movements.

Final Questions to Home worker: i)

Has the checklist covered all the problems the user may have working with DSE from home?

ii)

Has the user experienced any discomfort or other symptoms, which may be attributed to working with the DSE? Please provide details. Have these been reported to your Manager?

iii)

Has the user been advised of their entitlement to eyesight testing?

iv)

Has the user been advised to take regular breaks away from the workstation?

Additional comments.

Unit Safety Co-ordinator (or trained assessor) use only

Recommendations.

Signed:

Copies.

Dated:

1) User

2) Line Manager

3) DSE File

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