Workstations and DSE
Setting up a comfortable workstation
Setting up your workstation and display screen equipment (DSE) correctly is essential for your comfort at work and for your long-term health.
This applies whether you use the same desk each day or switch workspaces frequently, and whether you are on campus or working from home.
E-learning module
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Set up your workspace correctly using the workstation and DSE e-learning module. | |
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Purpose: Training to set up your workstation correctly to prevent health effects.
Resource: Workstation e-learning module
Completed by: All University staff using computers
When: New staff induction and every 12 months
DSE: browse the list of items for home use
Use the DSE app to view the catalogue of equipment available for working from home.
Resources
App for requesting equipment for home use
The equipment request function within the Homeworking Display Screen Equipment app (enabling staff to request equipment for use when working at home) is now closed.
Responsibility for both ordering and funding these items has now passed back to the local school or service, in the same way it was pre-pandemic.
The app is still available on this page and now contains:
- Links to useful DSE related resources
- information on the new process including a set of FAQs
- a catalogue of approved/recommended items for use at home
- An email function where an individual making a request can send an equipment wish list to themself and their manager or DSE assessor (based on the catalogue within the app). This can be used to support ordering and record keeping locally
If you need further information on the process please look at the FAQ section within the app or contact jessica.vance@bristol.ac.uk
Home working guidance and checklist
Purpose: Practical advice and checklist for working from home safely.
Resources:
- Home working guidance and checklist (PDF)
- Home working guidance and checklist (word) - Editable version
Completed by: Individual working from home.
Risk assessment flowchart
Purpose: Visual overview of the DSE risk assessment process with links to resources. Recently simplified and adapted to reflect the new ways University staff work, this process has been designed with flexibility in mind, covering multiple workstations across different locations. Therefore, this process can be applied to any DSE user, wherever they work, including:
- home working
- working on campus with a fixed desk
- NWoW on campus
- working while travelling
- other types of remote working
- a mix all working styles
Resource: DSE risk assessment flowchart
Relevant for: All University staff using computers, local DSE assessors and SSAs.
DSE Self-assessment
Purpose: Forms part of the DSE risk assessment process by identifying whether further adjustments to the workstation or actions are needed.
Resource: DSE self-assessment form - PDF and DSE self-assessment form - Editable copy
Completed by: Individual using computer and workstation
Submitted to: Local DSE assessor
When: After the individual has worked through the e-learning module, followed the guidance and completed the checklists but the issues remain unresolved.
Eyesight tests
Purpose: Any University employee who is a DSE user is entitled to an eye and eyesight test.
Please make a request using the DSE user eye test authorisation form - PDF and DSE user eye test authorisation form - Editable copy
Please complete section 1, obtain authorisation from your line manager, DSE assessor or SSA for section 2, and ask the optician to complete section 3.
You may then visit the optician of your choice and submit an expenses claim using myERP.
What you can claim:
- Up to £25 for the cost of an eye test
- up to £35 for glasses prescribed solely for DSE use
The optician will determine the frequency of future tests (in section 3 of the form). This is usually every two years, but may vary.
Please note:
- By signing the form, you declare that the information provided is correct, that you understand the terms of this agreement and that you agree for the results to be disclosed to the University of Bristol.
- The University will not contribute towards glasses prescribed for any use other than DSE work.
- If an ordinary prescription is also suitable for DSE use (e.g. prescribed for watching TV, reading driving etc.) the University will not contribute to or fund the glasses.
- If the costs of the eye and eyesight test or glasses prescribed for DSE use exceed the amounts specified above, the employee will need to meet these extra costs.
DSE visual checklist
Purpose: Reminder of how to set up your workstation correctly.
Resource: DSE visual checklist
Completed by: Individuals using display screen equipment (DSE).
When: Every time you set up a new workstation.
Referrals to the Occupational Health Service
If you have an underlying health condition that could affect you when using display screen equipment, you may need an Occupational Health referral.