Post on 22-Apr-2015
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DSE MYTHS….Simplifying DSE in the workplace.
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GET THE FACTS
• What is DSE?
• What are your obligations?
• What conditions can arise?
• What are your options?
• Discuss with Occupational Health.
• Don’t go straight to equipment providers.
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BASIC FACTS..
• The Health & Safety DSE Regulations 1992
• It’s true that some people can develop ill health symptoms such as..
• Musculoskeletal conditions.
• Headaches and eye strain.
• BUT correct workstation set up can avoid most problems.
• A specialist assessment may be needed for employees with pre existing conditions.
• USE Occupational Health for this.. not an equipment company or Facilities.
• They are NOT medically trained.
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POSTURE POSTERDisplay this everywhere and use as a screensaver where possible.
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TRAIN EMPLOYEES TO DO THEIR OWN ASSESSMENT..
• This is simple.
• Similar to adjusting your position in a different car.
• Can then be done frequently….So early identification of issues.
• Have a simple process to report issues.
• Get Management involved.
• Don’t pay a member of staff to do other employee’s assessment.
• Don’t pay an external company who want to sell you stuff.
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DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE HSE GUIDANCE.
• It’s all free to download.
• It’s easy to understand.
• Includes DSE Checklists.
• Includes DSE assessment information.
• Includes Posture posters etc..
• Just put HSE and DSE into Google.
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ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS..
• These are needed when an employee has a medical condition.
• When an employee is returning to work after significant diagnosis.
• Should be done by Occupational Health or specialist Physiotherapist.
• Someone needs to have medical knowledge of the condition.
• Condition may be likely to fall under provision of Equality Act 2010.
• Reasonable adjustments may be indicated.
• Don’t use inappropriately trained people to do this!
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EQUIPMENT..
• Generally not required unless a specialist assessment advises.
• Beware shopping from a catalogue.
• The wrong equipment can make problem worse.
• You are then liable.
• What medical knowledge have you got to make a choice of specialist equipment?
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CHAIRS…• In good repair, with a five pronged base on
casters for stability.
• You must be able to adjust it to adopt a correct and comfortable posture.
• The height should be adjustable up and down allowing you to move your legs comfortably.
• A backrest adjustment to fit and support the small of your back and spine.
• Back adjustable in height and tilt.
• Armrests (if required) for reading, writing and general desk work.
• In other words a standard office chair.
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OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS…
• Do not issue wrist rests for wrist pain…get OH advice.
• Ensure employees’ working position is same as posture poster.
• Very tall and very small employees may need specialist chairs etc..
• Access to Work may fund equipment for employees under Equality Act.
• Don’t pay for in house eye tests…use an optician as eye examination is needed under the Regs.
• Consider Eye Care Vouchers.
• Ask OH advice on most cost effective approach for your business.
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Jean Fisher RGN OHNCDirector of the Occupational Health Business Ltd.www.theohbusiness.co.uk
Inspiring business to have a budget for health as well as sickness….I’m on…TwitterFacebookLinkedInSlideshare07864 006850jean.fisher@theohbusiness.co.uk