What is a workstation assessment?

To comply with DSE regulations, employers must do a workstation assessment if workers are using display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work continuously for an hour or more.

A workstation assessment involves looking at the equipment, furniture and work conditions, the job and any special requirements the employee might have. It needs to be done when a new workstation is set up, a new user starts work, a change is made to an existing workstation or the way it’s used or if users complain of pain or discomfort.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) state for those working from home on a long-term basis the risks associated with using DSE must be controlled, which includes them doing WSAs at home.

There is low risk from DSE work for those working at home temporarily however as we are now approaching a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, this is for many people no longer a short-term measure and we don’t know yet how many of the changes to the way we work will be permanent.

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What makes our workstation assessments different?

Often the extent of a WSA is a tick box exercise on a form. Our service extends beyond that to incorporate a more individualised, person-centred approach, which can take into account your unique circumstances, pre-existing health conditions and/or injuries and preferences.

  • The physiotherapists carrying out the workstation assessments have a wealth of experience in occupational health, remote consultations, musculoskeletal pain, injuries and biomechanics. This means they are knowledgeable about the causes and risk factors for injuries in the workplace. 
  • Physiotherapists are skilled problem solvers and able to work with the employee to optimise their position with the tools available even in unusual or “less than ideal’ circumstances whether it be in a home office or on your laptop in a cupboard under the stairs.
  • Physiotherapists are able to diagnose, give exercises and advice to address specific problems/injuries
    They can give recommendations for ergonomic equipment if needed.
  • They can also provide general advice on improving their musculoskeletal health.

Benefits of a workstation assessment

  • Time and cost effective
  • You can expect to receive the same quality as an in-person assessment without the time and financial costs of a face-to-face visit
  • Distance/locality is not a limiting factor, you can access this specialised service from anywhere
  • As an employer, ensuring that you are compliant with regulations. The assessments can be done for the office or for those working from home.
  • Healthier, happier, more productive employees
  • Reduced risk of sickness absence
  • Reduce pain and discomfort, improving workplace wellbeing

The process

Complete form

  • Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to fill out a form which gives us some background information on your medical history and any specific problems you would like to address during the appointment.
  • You will be booked in on a day and time which is convenient to you and sent a confirmation text and email

Before your appointment

  • You will be emailed 2 links. This allows you to set up with 2 cameras if you are able to (for example, your webcam on the top of your monitor and a camera phone with a side on view). At the start time of your appointment, you will be able to follow one link per device so that we can get a full view of the DSE.
  • If you only have one device/screen/camera available this isn’t a problem, we can use one and adjust during the appointment.

Workstation Assessment

  • Your first appointment will consist of an assessment with the physiotherapist to discuss your work, role and any current issues, assess the DSE and give immediate advice on any changes.
  • This will be followed up with a report detailing the findings and recommendations for the highest risk areas and actions to be taken.
  • Our package includes a review appointment 6 weeks later to check effects of changes made and provide any further recommendations. This way we can be sure that you have received a fully comprehensive service which has addressed any issues or questions you may have since making the changes discussed.

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