Posted By anon1234
What is the reason for refusal?

Are you considering whether the chair being provided is suitable for the individuals needs?

Obviously a 'standard' DSE 'compliant' chair will be fine for the majority but there will always be a few who need something different for whatever legitimate reason (e.g. medical condition)

Posted By anon1234
If the current chair is not compliant and could give rise to problems due for example to lack of adjustability then I would say it can be enforced

Posted By garyh
I would advise:-

Get rid of the old chair!

Explain to them why they must use the new chair; should they fall into ill health in future years due to a musculoskeletal problem they will no doubt then sue your organisation for not making them use it!

Consider this like a PPE compliance issue; if they refuse, follow procedure (go to their Manager, in writing if necessary). If all else fails make a note in the file and get them to sign it.

Posted By Simon Hardy
Comments from the previous poster are to expected by Joe Public Mr Synical but I'm surprised to hear them from a expert!
Having an attitude like that "use it or we get sued" is always going to make it difficult to have a positive Health and Safety culture in the workplace. :0)

Posted By Diane Thomason
Surely if you have recommended he uses a new chair it's just that - a recommendation?

Was the old chair causing him to be in a bad posture for DSE use? if not, is there really that much of a problem letting him continue to use it?

I expect it's different in other organisations but I personally cannot "make" someone comply with something like this - that if necessary would be the job of their line manager, and for that reason, DSE assessments go to line managers for action.

Posted By Glyn Atkinson
If the chair obviously does not comply with the DSE requirements, then you have got your decision made in front of you - "hello, skip !"

The person will probably be less likely to be obstructive once the object of desire has hit the bin!

Without prying too much - does the chair user have any physical attributes that would make the procurement of a suitable chair awkward in any way?

Has the question been adequately dealt with during the written assessment questions?

Posted By Christopher
Hi Sharon

What prompted this DSE assessment to take place? If this was simply a company update on assessments, was it communicated to all what the potential outcomes of the assessment might be? Is this workstation a communal DSE station? Before threatening paperwork, try negotiating over a cup of tea. (It sounds soft but it works) If you have Occupational Health input, suggest that if the individual would prefer to talk to someone else in confidence about health issues that this could be arranged. You're only trying to do your best for this employee, however, the nice, nice approach should only end up with the paper work signed, but left open and the employee advised that you will revisit this assessment in three months, but he/she can if they wish change their mind before then. Most suppliers of chairs will let you try them out for a week. If anyone goes on holiday, then they can try out their chairs.

Can the chair be that unsafe that an individual has been allowed to keep on using it, until they are effectively treating it like their arm chair at home?

Posted By Edward Shyer
Hi Peter,

Beg to differ Colour clash YES But where does the eye strain come in?

If this is a problem then was it identified earlier on the DSE assessment as eye strain caused by colour of chair.

Regards

Ted

Posted By Edward Shyer
Peter,

You are correct I should be asking Sharon this question.

Sharon,

Please see earlier response

If the colour of this chair is a problem then, was it identified earlier on the DSE assessment as eye strain caused by colour of chair.

if this has been identified as a problem and can be justified and is being highlighted in DSE assessments of other persons in the vicinity then you have reasonable grounds for its removal.

Regards

Ted

Posted By Edward Shyer
Sharon,

Nothing wrong with friendly windups, So please do not give the dog Peter's tea, I am starving give it to me instead. what am I having?

Regards

Ted