Posted By Stewart Dugmore Hello, Could somebody offer thoughts as to the implications of employees carrying out their own DSE work station assessment? Thank for your time. Stewart Dugmore

Posted By Adrian Watson My own view for what its worth is that DSE assessments should always be carried out by the user, preferably using the HSE assessment form. Any training necessary to complete the forms should be given by their supervisor. However, once completed a trained assessor should check forms and investigate any points raised at the DSE station with the user present. If the problem is real it should be rectified and if not advice should be given. In addition to those forms, where the user has reported problems, a small number should be assessed as an audit check. This system has the following benefits. Firstly, the user learns what points need checking and is part of the assessment process. Secondly, the user sees any problems being dealt with and gets positive feedback. Thirdly, the assessor has only to check the problems and a small number of non-problems. Fourthly, advice is given to those who need it and problems recified in a timely manner. Regards Adrian Watson

Posted By David Waterton Hi for what it is worth I agree with Ken. However, we have trained a number of staff to undertake DSE assessment. The training last for a half day and covers the legislation basic ergonomics and the areas covered by an assessment. A practical demonstration is also included for each assessor and they complete DSE assessments under supervision. The actually DSE assessment is undertaken in the work place by them using a standard check list. They can also make recourse to the department safety officer for additional support and advice. We tend to train clerical/admin staff as they have considerable hands on experience of working with the equipment. In instances where a User is experiencing particular discumfort or signs of muscular problems the department safety officer, who has completed a more in depth training programme on DSE assessment, will tend to undertake that particular assessment. We are also currently in the process of offering designated DSE users an interactive training package on workstation set up, use etc. downloaded from the internet. The cost of, which is minimal..We consider the combination of these a cost effective way to meet our statutory duties and ensure safe working of DSE equipment by our staff You should also note that the February edition of the "practitioner" has a couple of very good DSE related articals.