What might the future of Display Screen Equipment and ergonomics look like in the workplace?
As technology evolves, the way that we integrate DSE into the workplace evolves with it – this blog explores how his may work in practice.
The effect of hybrid and remote work on DSE
Since the pandemic, we have seen a rise in hybrid and remote work across many different sectors.
With the increased numbers of people working from home, remote DSE assessments are required to ensure that employees’ workstations are suitable for use. Reasonable adjustments can and should be made when required in order to help homeworkers.
This may include footstools, office chairs, document holders and so on.
Hot desking can also cause DSE issues. This is due to the fact that people are moving from desk to desk and often, they will forget to make the small adjustments that make their work comfortable.
This can include adjusting the tilt/height of the chair or adjusting the height of any computer monitors.
Technology and ergonomics
Since the original DSE regulations were released in 1992, technology has greatly changed and there are now a lot more options when it comes to furniture and technology.
Wearable technology, such as smart watches, have become a common sight.
Although they can be distracting, features such as movement reminders, steps tracking and other tracking aspects can be very helpful in a DSE context. All too often people can become absorbed by work and forget to keep moving.
Furniture options have also become more varied for both chairs and desks.
One example of this is an ergonomic kneeling chair. This chair doesn’t have a back and instead has a soft cushion for your knees to rest on.
It works by building core muscles which helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries from prolonged sitting.
Adjustable desks are also becoming more common and these help people move easily from sitting to standing positions without having to hunch over.
Wider wellbeing considerations
There are also a lot of small, easy ways we can help ourselves. Changing posture is a key part of ensuring our body is not kept in one position for too long.
Taking short breaks from sitting at a desk is recommended by the HSE over taking longer breaks. For example, 5 to 10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours.
If eye strain is an issue, better lighting can help to illuminate workstations. A lot of computers also now come with a ‘Night Light’ function.
This reduces the blue light being emitted by the screen and can be matched to the day’s sunrise/sunset times in order to keep your circadian rhythm in sync.
Screen filter apps like the ‘Night Light’ function are also available for phones on the various app stores.
Active workstations are another way to help keep moving in the work day. This can include adjustable sitting/standing desks, desk treadmills and desk cycle machines.
How can WA Management help?
WA Management offer an online DSE training course, suitable for office workers who are regularly using a screen.
Display Screen Equipment and Noise at Work are essential tools in protecting your senses while at work. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these essential courses, available until the end of arch. Simply enter the code ‘senses10’ at checkout to save!
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