Posted By jackw. Hi, For DSE assessment we train our own admin staff to carry these out using a basic checklist. I have completed a 3 day course run by ROSPA, (was very good), that allows me to train them..only takes a half day course. If I am correct in reading into your post you are getting reports from staff re sore backs and looking for specialist chairs. If people are alleging sore backs and demanding "fancy" chairs. Firstly ask for medical opinion that the basic chair is causing the problem. Remember these chairs are designed specifically for DSE use. If they produce medical evidence. Then you can ask them to self refer to the local employment sevice. They have specialist advisors who will come out to your workplace and assess them. They will also pay a portion of the cost of the chair. That said in instances were staff do confirm DSE related problems I will generally go out and have a look at how they are setting up and working with the equipment.. As an aside most issues are down to poor posture. A new all signing dancing chair won't change that. For example i have a guy in next office to me has the special chair (got it before I arrived) I have never seen him sit in it properly!!!! Hope this helps Cheers PS whats the rate... I may take time off and come down!!!!!!!

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Phil The person with the disability you refer to is a red light. Stop to ensure that you are complying with the DDA as well as the DSE Regs. Otherwise you could find yourself facing inordinate damages as well as risking the spillages of adverse publicity. More positively, managint the difficulties skilfully means that you enable the employee and line manager to do what's needed to control the risks. As a safety ergonomist, I have not only assisted many other DSE users to avoid or, if need be, contain MSDs, I also spent over 9 years experimenting until I got the right blend of workstation setup, periodical corrective MSD interventions and daily personal fitness regime necessary to control my injuries. Take care.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Phil If you want to look up case law about the DSE Regs, this HSE-funded website has reports on 200 cases involving the DSE: www.humanetechnology.co.uk/wruld/ Relevant guides on the DDA have been written by Brian Doyle, a barrister, and David Levene, a solicitor

Posted By Phillipe Thank you for your information and advice, including Bob and his 'inebriatum' terminology! Regards Phil