Are you sitting comfortably? A guide to DSE

How to make sure that your desk works for you.

Computer on desk

If you spend a lot of time using a computer, whether that’s in an office or working from home, it’s important to remember that if you don’t sit in the correct position with your desk arranged properly – a process known as ergonomics – then you could be causing yourself a whole lot of avoidable pain.

Although it may seem simple there are a whole lot of different things to think about when it comes to sitting at a desk all day, from the height of the chair to the way you read the screen and how you use a mouse. Here we give you some top tips to help you stay safe next time you sit at your desk.

What is Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that DSE “are devices or equipment that have an alphanumeric or graphic display screen and includes display screens, laptops, touch screens and other similar devices.”

DSE risks

The impact that working with display screen equipment can have on a person is often overlooked, but this shouldn’t be the case. There are a number of problems that can occur due to an unergonomic workstation. Healthy Working Lives says that a “poorly equipped and arranged workstation is a major contributing factor in the development of many work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)”, with other associated symptoms including fatigue/stress, eye strain, upper limb problems and backache.

Unfortunately the causes of these problems may not always be immediately obvious and it could be that a number of factors are contributing to an issue, so it’s important to do everything you can to take preventative action.

Creating the perfect setup

When it comes to creating the perfect ergonomic workstation, the HSE has a few key points for staying safe, such as:

  • Ensure your forearms are horizontal, with your eyes at the same height as the top of your screen
  • Position your desk in a place which isn’t affected by glare or bright reflections.
  • Try to face your screen away from windows or bright lights.
  • You can also adjust curtains or blinds to help
  • Make sure there is space under the desk so that you can move your legs
  • Avoid putting pressure on the backs of your legs and knees from the edge of the seat
  • A footrest can also be helpful, particularly if you have shorter legs
  • Try to keep wrists straight when typing, and put the mouse in a position where you can easily use it with a straight wrist
  • Make sure the surface of your screen is clean
  • Adjust the screen brightness to suit the lighting in the room and make it easy to read

Try to break up your time spent using DSE by engaging in activities away from the screen. This could even be stretching or changing position, taking the time to look into the distance for a while and making sure you blink regularly. It’s better to take short breaks frequently before getting tired, rather than trying to recover during a longer break.

When it comes to assessing your workstation, make sure you take into account that things can change. If you reshuffle your desk or change what you do at it, then be sure to keep reviewing your workplace regularly to make sure it still works for you.

Computer health and safety – tips for employers

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 are in place to make sure that employers take care of employees who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) as a large part of their normal working day.   

If you have employees who use DSE regularly then you must make sure that you analyse their workstations to help reduce risks, as well as providing information or training on how employees can be safe and comfortable at their desks. The HSE guide to working with display screen equipment explains that getting employees involved in the decisions regarding office health and safety helps you to stay on top of things, as well as increasing their involvement and encouraging a level of commitment to ensuring that work is conducted in a healthy way.

Whether you’re self employed or are responsible for the safety of a team of employees, understanding how to make workstations as safe as possible can help to boost productivity, reduce unnecessary injuries and increase the overall health of DSE users. SAMS can offer an effective service to help you assess and reduce any risks that are present, as well as conducting a DSE assessment and helping you to train staff, owners and managers.

For more information about our DSE Office Safety Assessment services, get in touch with us today.