Post-DSE Assessment – Essential Tips for Employee Safety & Wellbeing

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After completing a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment, employees might think they’ve covered all the basics for staying safe while working with computers and other digital devices. However, it’s important to go beyond the assessment and continue practicing safe habits to avoid health issues like musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), eye strain, and stress-related problems. Here’s a guide on key things to consider post-DSE to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive working environment.

  1. Maintaining Good Posture

Even after adjustments have been made during the DSE assessment, employees should remain mindful of their posture throughout the day. Poor posture can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain over time. To maintain a good posture:

  • Ensure your chair provides proper lumbar support.
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
  • Adjust your monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level.
  • Sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle and shoulders relaxed.

Regularly checking and correcting posture helps prevent the gradual onset of discomfort.

  1. Take Regular Breaks

Staring at a screen for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue. To combat this, employees should follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, taking short breaks from your desk to walk or stretch is essential to avoid physical strain and refresh your focus.

Setting reminders to move around, stretch your legs, or step outside for fresh air will greatly benefit your well-being and concentration.

  1. Screen and Monitor Adjustments

While the DSE assessment should optimise the setup of screens and monitors, it’s essential to continuously monitor these adjustments:

  • Ensure the screen brightness and contrast are set at comfortable levels.
  • Adjust font sizes to prevent squinting and leaning forward.
  • Use screen filters or blue light reduction settings to minimize glare and reduce eye strain, especially if working in lower-light environments.
  1. Keyboard and Mouse Positioning

Improper keyboard and mouse positioning can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which develop slowly over time. Employees should check that the:

  • Keyboard is at elbow height, allowing wrists to remain in a neutral position.
  • Mouse is close to the keyboard to avoid overreaching.
  • Hands and wrists are straight, with no need to twist or bend to operate equipment.

Consider ergonomic accessories like wrist rests or a vertical mouse if you start to feel discomfort.

  1. Workstation Organisation

A cluttered workspace can cause unnecessary stress and make it harder to maintain a comfortable working posture. After your DSE assessment, consider keeping your workstation organised by:

  • Keeping frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive twisting or stretching.
  • Ensuring enough space to move your arms freely.
  • Keeping paperwork and documents at eye level using a document holder to reduce neck strain.

A tidy, organised workspace promotes focus and efficiency, reducing physical strain from repetitive motions.

  1. Mind Your Mental Wellbeing

While DSE assessments primarily focus on physical health, mental wellbeing is equally important for workplace safety. Prolonged screen time, tight deadlines, and a busy environment can increase stress levels, leading to burnout over time. To maintain mental wellbeing:

  • Take regular mental health breaks during the day.
  • Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
  • Speak to a manager or HR if workloads become unmanageable.

Work-life balance is crucial, and recognising when you need time to rest and recharge can help prevent long-term stress and anxiety.

  1. Monitor Lighting Conditions

Good lighting is critical in reducing eye strain and preventing headaches. After your DSE assessment, make sure your workstation is:

  • Well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial light.
  • Free from glare or reflection on your screen.
  • Adjusted so that your monitor is positioned away from direct light sources that can cause reflections.

Small adjustments to lighting can have a big impact on comfort levels and productivity.

Conclusion

While a DSE assessment helps set up a safe and ergonomic workspace, maintaining those safe working practices is just as important in the long run. By taking regular breaks, monitoring posture, adjusting equipment, and caring for your mental wellbeing, employees can stay healthy, focused, and productive. Small daily habits can help prevent long-term health issues and improve overall workplace satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Continuously monitor posture, screen brightness, and positioning to prevent discomfort.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule to avoid eye strain and ensure proper breaks from screens.
  • Ergonomic tools and an organised workspace promote physical and mental well-being.

#DSEAssessment #WorkplaceSafety #Ergonomics #EmployeeWellbeing #PostureMatters

 

Essentials for Creating an Ergonomic Workstation

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Setting up an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining comfort, productivity and overall wellbeing while working. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the key considerations and items to include, along with the benefits of each ergonomic element.

  1. Adjustable Chair

An ergonomic chair is crucial for supporting your lower back, promoting good posture, and reducing strain.

Benefits:

  • Lumbar Support: Reduces lower back pain by maintaining the natural curve of the spine.
  • Adjustability: Allows for customisation of seat height, depth, and backrest recline to fit individual needs.
  • Armrests: Adjustable armrests reduce strain on shoulders and arms.
  1. Sit/Stand Desk

Switching between sitting and standing throughout the day can significantly improve your health and productivity.

Benefits:

  • Reduces Back Pain: Alternating between sitting and standing can help alleviate back pain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Improves Circulation: Standing periodically can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
  • Boosts Energy and Mood: Changing positions can increase energy levels and improve mood and focus.
  1. Monitor Stand or Arm

Positioning your monitor at eye level is essential to prevent neck strain and maintain good posture.

Benefits:

  • Eye Level Positioning: Reduces neck and eye strain by keeping the monitor at a comfortable height.
  • Flexibility: Adjustable stands and arms allow you to position the monitor for optimal viewing angles.
  • Desk Space: Elevating the monitor frees up valuable desk space for other items.
  1. Monitor Riser

A monitor riser elevates your screen to eye level, reducing neck and shoulder strain.

Benefits:

  • Improved Posture: Ensures your monitor is at the correct height, promoting better posture.
  • Increased Desk Space: Provides additional storage space underneath for books, notebooks, or other items.
  • Reduced Neck Strain: Keeps your neck in a neutral position, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort.
  1. Ergonomic Keyboard

Using an ergonomic keyboard can minimise strain and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Benefits:

  • Natural Hand Position: Split and curved designs help keep your hands in a more natural position, reducing strain.
  • Wrist Support: Integrated wrist rests reduce pressure on the wrists during typing.
  • Compact Design: Reduces the distance you need to reach for the mouse, minimising shoulder and arm strain.
  1. Ergonomic Mouse

An ergonomic mouse is designed to reduce wrist and hand strain, which is common with prolonged computer use.

Benefits:

  • Vertical Design: Encourages a more natural hand position, reducing wrist strain.
  • Adjustable Sensitivity: Allows for smoother and more precise cursor control, reducing repetitive movements.
  • Comfortable Grip: Ergonomic shapes and sizes fit the hand better, reducing fatigue.
  1. Document Holder

Keeping documents at an optimal viewing angle helps reduce neck movement and strain.

Benefits:

  • Reduces Neck Strain: Keeps documents at eye level, reducing the need to bend or twist your neck.
  • Improves Workflow: Having documents in line with your monitor can improve efficiency and comfort.
  1. Foot Rest

A foot rest can improve circulation and reduce strain on your lower back and legs.

Benefits:

  • Improves Posture: Encourages proper alignment of the spine and reduces pressure on the lower back.
  • Reduces Leg Strain: Provides support for the feet, reducing pressure on the legs and improving circulation.
  • Adjustability: Allows for customisation to fit individual height and comfort preferences.

Summary of Ergonomic Essentials:

By incorporating these ergonomic elements into your workstation and adhering to recommended positioning guidelines for your monitor and keyboard (see below), you can create a healthier, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

  • Adjustable Chair: Supports lower back and reduces strain
  • Sit/Stand Desk: Enhances health by alternating sitting and standing
  • Monitor Stand/Arm: Positions monitor at eye level to prevent neck strain
  • Monitor Riser: Elevates screen to improve posture
  • Ergonomic Keyboard: Reduces wrist strain with natural hand positioning
  • Ergonomic Mouse: Minimizes wrist and hand strain
  • Document Holder: Keeps documents at eye level
  • Foot Rest: Improves posture and circulation

 

What is the Optimal Monitor and Keyboard Position?

Monitor Position

Your eyeline should be level with the top third of your monitor screen. The monitor should be about an arm’s length away from you, roughly 20-30 inches. This positioning helps reduce neck strain and ensures a comfortable viewing angle without excessive head movement.

Keyboard Position

Your keyboard should be positioned directly in front of you, and close enough to allow your elbows to remain at a 90-degree angle and your wrists to stay straight while typing. This setup minimises strain on your arms and wrists, promoting a more natural and comfortable typing posture.

By incorporating these ergonomic elements into your workstation and adhering to recommended positioning guidelines for your monitor and keyboard, you can create a healthier, more comfortable, and productive work environment.

For further support or advice, get in touch here with one of our friendly advisers at Quills Office Supplies for all your workplace essentials.