Posted By Richard Weir-Ewing How often would you need to re-assess if no changes are made? I thought I would get staff to self assess each year following the first "joint" assessment with me. But I read somewhere that that two years or more is acceptable if no change or request is made. any views on this please.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Richard To assume that 'if no changes are made' is to risk as serious error in assessing risks of musculo skeletal disorders, as well as stress, which are the main focus of the DSE Regs. Both of these classes of risks involve interaction between individuals and their material and virtual environments. Even in the extremely unlikely event that 'no change' occurs in an employee's material and virtual environment, he or she changes significantly, at least psychologically, during 12 months - even if there is only one change, i.e. to a death condition. Underestimating risks of MSDs and stress is dangerous.

Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Richard In addition to Kierans posting, please also remember that there is a common requirement that employees be provided with some form of "refresher" or "continuation" training as appropriate. The regular re-visiting of the check-list in Schedule to the DSE Regs is an excellent means of achieving this and empowering the operatives to take responsibility for the aspects that they should be controlling directly. Frank Hallett

Posted By R W Hi, In my previous job we kept our records of DSE assessments for 3 years, this was to cover potential PI claims. All staff received a DSE assessment and were advised that a re-assessment would be arranged if they moved desk, that their job changed/ or working activities or at there own request. I took this from the HSE guidance. Not sure if that is of use to you or not. Hope so, Regards R