Risk Factors User to tick Things to Consider Action to take (to be completed by users manager or DSE assessor ) Yes No Furniture: Is the work surface large enough for all the necessary equipment, papers etc? Create more room by moving printers, reference materials etc elsewhere. If necessary, consider providing new power and telecoms sockets, so equipment can be moved. There should be some scope for flexible rearrangement. Can the user comfortably reach all the equipment and papers they need to use? Rearrange equipment, papers etc to bring frequently used things within easy reach. Is there a document holder available? A document holder may be needed, positioned to minimise uncomfortable head and eye movements. Are surfaces free from glare and reflection? Consider mats or blotters to reduce reflections and glare Is the chair suitable? The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms. Is the chair stable? Are all the feet/castors in place Is the floor even and sound Does the chair have a working: seat back height and tilt adjustment? seat pan height adjustment? swivel mechanism? castors or glides? Is the user familiar with the chair operation Is the chair adjusted correctly? The user should be able to carry out their work sitting comfortably. Consider training and/or information for the user in how to adopt suitable postures while working. The arms of chairs can stop the user getting close enough to use the equipment comfortably. Move any obstructions from under the desk. Is the small of the back supported by the chair’s backrest? The user should have a straight back, supported by the chair, with relaxed shoulders. Risk Factors User to tick Things to Consider
Action to take (to be completed by users manager or DSE assessor ) Yes No Furniture Cont: Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the VDU? Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position, then adjust the VDU height if necessary. Are feet flat on the floor, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs? If not, a foot rest may be needed. Environment: Is enough room to change position and vary movement? Space is needed to move, stretch and fidget. Consider reorganising the office layout and check for obstructions. Cables should be tidy and not a trip or snag hazard. Is the lighting suitable, eg not too bright or too dim to work comfortably? Users should be able to control light levels, eg by adjusting window blinds or light switches. Consider shading or repositioning light sources or providing local lighting, eg desk lamps (but make sure lights don’t cause glare by reflecting off walls or other surfaces). Does the air feel comfortable? VDUs and other equipment may dry the air. Circulate fresh air if possible. Plants may help. Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe Are levels of heat comfortable? Can heating be better controlled? More ventilation or may be required if there is a lot of electronic equipment in the room. Or, can users be moved away from the heat source? Are levels of noise comfortable? Consider moving sources of eg printers, away from the user. If not, consider soundproofing Training and Information: Has the user been given training and/or information on the health and safety aspects of DSE? Contact L&D for access to safety media elearning See intranet DSE microsite Has the user had an eye test in the past 2 years? All DSE users are entitled to an eye test every two years Does the user take regular breaks when using DSE for prolonged periods of an hour or more? A change of activity away from DSE can be considered as a microbreak Risk Factors User to tick Things to Consider