Hi all, Another question about DSE this time in schools, colleges, universities. The regs state that its only applicable to employees but surely there has to be an onus on those responsible for H&S to provide some guidance regarding the use of work equipment (computers, desks, chairs) and the correct way to set up a work station etc for students? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Russ

You are entering the realm of how long is a piece of string here! Correctly you identified that under DSE the responsibility is only for employees not students but here is also a general duty of care under common law. But that is very vague and it depends on case law and as far as I recall there isn’t much of that in relation to students. I could imagine a situation where a college effectively forces students to use unsuitable equipment and therefore being regarded as in breach of their duty of care but they could discharge it simply by providing general advice and allowing students more choice about how they use the kit and when they use it. Also note that for most DSE problems develop over time ie people are forced to use an inadequate workstation every day for months or years. Most students aren’t in that position and anyway most have their own equipment.

...my university actually posted a health and safety link on their intranet for new and exsiting students which we were urged to read - within it was guidance on DSE and computer usage etc. The Uni have technically fulfilled any requirement on themselves, and as has been said previoulsy, if the students decided not to read or not to adhere to guidance then more fool them. (That said, my Uni was the employer of the immediate past president of IOSH!)