Display Screen Equipment

What is DSE?

DSE stands for 'Display Screen Equipment'. 

This normally is in the context of using computer equipment in the course of your employment either at your main place of work, at alternative university locations or working at home, with the agreement of your manager.

University DSE Training is recommended for all members of staff.  This will be changing to an online package later in 2012 - watch this space for info or contact Occupational Health to arrange this in the interim period.  This DSE aware leaflet provides tips on keeping healthy based on the training package.  

Who should undertake a self assessment & how often?   

At the outset of employment all employees who work with computer equipment for more than 60 minutes per day should undertake an assessment using the DSE Self Assessment Form.
On change of work location this should be repeated, and again at 2 year intervals.  If you work in other locations on a regular basis, including your home, additional self assessments should be undertaken. If you use a laptop computer either all of the time or for spells of work of over 60 minutes per day the same self assessment should be undertaken using the DSE Self Assessment Form.

Who completes a DSE Assessor form and when?  If, with your manager you are unable to easily resolve problems identified in your self assessment this form is completed by a trained DSE Assessor.  Most Schools and Services have DSE Assessors whom you should contact directly for advice before involving the Occupational Health Department. If your service does not have an assessor please contact Occupational Health.

How to become a DSE Assessor

If you are interested in becoming a DSE assessor please discuss the proposed commitment with your manager and obtain his / her agreement.  For more information on the role and training please contact Occupational Health.

Eye care vouchers

The universtiy operateds the Edenred (formerly Accor) Voucher scheme - this is accepted by most opticians.

Before you book an appointment check the DSE Policy and ask your manager if you are entitled to undergo a free eye test, obtaining their signature on the Eye voucher request form before bringing it to the Occupational Health Department, CSB level 10, Queensgate and collecting your voucher.  We appreciate that this is not a good use of your time however there have been several vouchers 'lost in the post' recently which incurs a cost to the university.

Another Edenred voucher may also be availalbe to use against the cost of a basic pair of spectacles for DSE use provided your optician has supplied confirmation of this.  Again, your manager will need to sign authorisation on the DSE spectacle voucher request form

Keeping healthy in the office

Watch a 7 minute video aimed at helping you with general positioning on your workstation.

Information for employers relating to Upper Limb Disorders and their management at work.

What evidence is there to support office based exercises?  Click to view a recent HSE research report.

For some advice on office based exercises.

Follow this link Sit Fit in the office for advice on healthy office work and simple exercises which may benefit you. The following link may be used to access free software which can be used as a prompt to take breaks from DSE work Work Rave.  If you wish to download this to any university equipment you must check with IT support before doing so.

Additional DSE resources can be found on the HSE website.