We are starting DSE[1] (Display Screen Equipment) Assessments today and already it’s highlighting my fears with these sort of assessments; that the assessments, if not conducted properly in the right spirit, may be treated as a guise for simply obtaining new things. Like clockwork in the office when one person gets something new then you can bet that over a short period of time almost everyone has this same item. This happened with 2-drawer filing cabinets, monitor stands, fans and desk trays and of course they are absolutely essential for each and every individual – ok enough of the cynicism.

Obviously we have a duty to care for users and provide safe equipment and a healthy environment but I anticipate a sudden surge of new chairs, foot rests, arm rests, keyboards, and other paraphenalia suddenly appearing in the name of health and safety. We already have to have the window blinds closed most of the day due to some users experiencng apparent ‘glare’ from their none-glare TFT screens and there are disagreements almost every day about the temperature of the air conditioning system. Jumper anyone?

I’m all for ensuring people work safely and healthily but these checklists, questions and rules are so broad that in my opinion they are way open to mis-interpretation. For example a user was asked “does your screen swivel?” the user replied “No” – I mean its a TFT sitting on a desk of course it swivels, you can pick it up and move it if you like. Another user was asked “How long do you use the computer?” – the reply was “All day” – come on, most of these users are away from their desk for hours on end, or they are on the phone, or in discussion, or simply filing they are not data operators staring at their screen solidly – this ins’t required of them nor asked of them – but I bet the recommendation is for 12-15 minute breaks.

I guess I’m just going to have to bite the bullet, so to speak, and make the best of it.

References

[1] Health and Safety Executive: THE HEALTH AND SAFETY (DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS 1992 [online] 1st June 2007
http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/16-1.htm