The Benefits of a DSE Workstation Assessment

In the UK, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most commonly reported cause of work-related ill health.

Here’s how a DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Workstation Assessment can help combat these disorders and benefit both employees and employers.

Reduces Absenteeism

One of the biggest benefits of a DSE Workstation assessment is that it is likely to reduce absenteeism.  It is estimated that in the UK work-related MSDs account for 35% of all days lost due to work-related ill health. A DSE assessment will identify any issues with current workstation setups and will help pinpoint the specific products that may assists on a proactive basis with regards to MSDs. This would ultimately mean the percentage of days lost due to work-related ill health would significantly reduce if most workplaces carried out regular DSE assessments.

Reduces Back Pain

Lower back pain account for 35% of all work-related MSDs, this represents a significant workplace problem affecting employees, employers and national wellbeing. So much so, the effects of lower back pain costs the economy around £12.3bn annually.

Lower back pain doesn’t have one specific cause, and it is often a mixture of forceful movements, awkward and static posture, fixed or constrained body positions and continual repetition of movements. With this in mind, and with such a huge cost incurred on the economy, it is imperative to implement a DSE assessment policy in the workplace to reduce this cost. But more importantly, your employee’s wellbeing will be severely affected due to the back pain and if the back pain isn’t cared for by using an ergonomic chair and desk then it could make the issue worse.

Lower back pain is very common and it is estimated that 60-80% of the population will experience it at some point in their lives, and it is also thought to be the leading cause of long-term disability globally. These facts instill the importance of taking care of your back, and shows how arranging regular DSE assessments for your staff should be a no-brainer.

Increases Productivity

When a workstation isn’t set up to specifically meet your employees’ needs, it can cause the user to feel consistently distracted and uncomfortable mentally and physically. It will affect them physically because the position they are sat in is painful or awkward, and it will affect them mentally because they won’t be able to focus correctly in order to be productive. When a DSE assessment is carried out it will identify these issues and reduce the MSD-related distractions incurred at the workstation and will improve productivity significantly.

Boosts Profitability

Boosting profitability goes hand in hand with increased productivity. When an employee’s productivity at work is increased due to a correct workstation setup, it will, in turn, affect profitability in the long term.

It is important to note that although investing in ergonomic furniture will significantly improve or prevent MSDs, making sure staff are engaging in physical activity throughout the day, even if it’s a 2-minute walk around the office, will decrease the risk of having functional limitations. Finding the balance between sitting down and moving when at work in an office is important, and there are some great exercises that staff can do at their desk to keep them mobile throughout the day.

At VergoUK, DSE assessments include a full written report of the existing workstation to help line managers and the ‘End User’ identify any issues with current setups or identify specific products that may allow DSE related issues to be resolved. If you’re interested in getting a DSE assessment for your workplace or would like to discuss your DSE workstation assessment requirements further then click here to get in touch.

In the meantime, whilst waiting for your DSE assessment to take place, watching this YouTube video on how to sit correctly will help reduce pain and tension on your back.