Assessments, adjustments and support

DSE and ergonomic safety depend on both staff actions and organisational support. Staff can adjust equipment, vary posture and report symptoms, but managers and employers must ensure assessments, controls, training and follow-up occur when needed.

When a DSE assessment or review may be needed

• A new workstation is set up: for example a new office computer, eMAR trolley, shared terminal or reception point.
• A new user starts: especially if they will use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more.
• The task changes: such as new digital care-record workflows, new medicines systems or more online training.
• The workstation changes: new chair, screen, desk, device, trolley, software or room layout.
• Staff report symptoms: pain, discomfort, eye strain, headaches, fatigue or upper limb symptoms should trigger review.
• Hot-desking is regular: staff who change desks should be able to make a basic setup check each time.

Reasonable practical adjustments

Adjustments can be straightforward: move the screen, alter chair height, use a document holder, clear the workspace, change lighting or font size, replace a faulty mouse, move a printer, use a tablet stand, provide a separate keyboard and mouse for extended laptop use, plan task variation, or arrange an eye test for a DSE user who requests one.

Management controls

A good adjustment is one that works in real shifts, not just on a tidy desk during an assessment.