Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By njc
Hi
Does anybody know of any software regarding DSE Assessments.
I would like new starters in the company to be able to do the assessments themselves.
so as soon as they turn the computer on they have to fill out the questionairre.
I have heard of one but not sure if this is a good idea?
Any advice would be greatful.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Kieran J Duignan
To use software validly like this, you need to embed it in a well-designed, well-publicised programme of risk assessments and risk management, including training.
As a standalone, you risk users becoming injured. Should the matter become the subject of litigation, a safety ergonomist appointed as an expert witness would reasonably ask to see details of how you assessed risks and the quality of your management of them. Should it turn out that employees effectively understood little or nothing about what the data they were routinely using, I can't see how you could demonstrate that you were managing risks as far as 'reasonably practicable'.
On the one hand, if you are incorporating the use of reliable, validated software, into a programme of educating employees about how to use anthropometric data to adjust their DSE and furniture and documentation, and about appropriate regular exercises to relieve risks arising from repetitive strains to users' upper limbs, wrists and hands, I would be amongst the first to applaud
On the other hand, given the limited basis of the information you provide, as a CMIOSH, M Erg S I form the impression that you either don't understand the process of assessing the risks or don't have the time and money to do so adequately. If asked, I would inform your m.d. and a court accordingly.
Cutting corners about managing risks to DSE users can become very. very expensive on your own time and on the company's investment in its human capital.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Is Kismet
I thought the originator was just asking for advice. Could we not just stick to that without references to competence and letters after names.
On a much 'lower' level, I have yet to see software that provides a satisfactory assessment. In general terms the lower the morale in a workplace the more problems there are (real and perceived) and conversely the higher the morale, the less inclined employees are to raise issues. Which means in the end the results are dictated by the workforce - whether rightly or wrongly, but which are not always dependant on the facts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Kieran J Duignan
Before you criticise so pompously, have the good sense to read accurately.
The question read:
...."would like new starters in the company to be able to do the assessments themselves"
That involves a legal liability, for those competent in these matters and who prefer to offer research based guidance than snide comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Descarte
You could give your users a questionnaire / training sheet on startup which they could email to you, giving them basic DSE info regarding their setup and determining their likely risk / exposure, past medical problems, aches pains in back shoulders wrists neck, likely usage of DSE equipment and gruop your new startes into either low medium or high risk to enable you to prioritise your new employees, presuming there is going to be a lot of them.
This will enable you to start assessing high risk individuals straight away and give them the basic info needed to get started themselves as you work round to the lower risk individuals.
If you are able to, place the word file in their start up folder, or the link to it, so as soon as they log in, they see it.
There are online training packages which guide users through setting up their own DSE equipment, I have used Chroners package in the past. This though should not be taken as a be all and end all for the DSE training and I would suggest you still visit all the high risk personel individually to be assessed, if not all, but obviously on a priotised basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Is Kismet
It was a simple question/comment, to put the thread back on track. The 'snide' remark is your own interpretation I'm afraid.
Hopefully we can move on now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Adrian Watson
Dear All,
I have investigated a number of cases where companies have used software and/or HSE's form to carry out risk assessments but failed to properly evaluate high-risk users, with the consequence that the users were injured; in some cases seriously enough so that they could no longer work.
I agree with Keiran, these tools do not remove the need for the assessors to be competent in basic office ergonomics and for the users to set-up and adjust their workplace equipment.
Regards Adrian Watson
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.