Lots of staff use computer equipment at the University, both on and off campus. This may be a fixed computer workstation, or portable computer equipment such laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Whichever setup you use, it is important that you consider the risks associated with it so that you can take precautions to minimise the chance of developing aches, pains, other muskuloskeletal problems and eye strain.

If you regularly use DSE for work, you will be classed as a DSE user, and therefore you must carry out a DSE self assessment. This will help you check that your workstation is setup correctly for your requirements.

To find out how to setup your workstation correctly, and for some useful tips on what can be done to help avoid injury, make sure you login to Learn Upon and then complete this Display Screen Equipment interactive eLearning before starting your self assessment. This will provide you with the information you need to keep safe and healthy.

If after completing the training you identfy issues with your workstation through your DSE assessment, arrange to meet with a DSE Assessor to discuss further. If your Faculty or Divison doesn’t have an assessor, discuss this with your line manager. They may suggest simple measures that you can take to improve your workstation setup, such as raising the height of your screen on a ream of printer paper, providing more lumbar support with a back cushion or advising you to set reminders on your Outlook calendar to move around every 20 minutes. The latter is important whether you work seated, standing or a mixture of both.

If after meeting with a DSE Assessor, or speaking with your line manager, you have not been able to address the issue with your workstation, you can contact healthsafety@sussex.ac.uk for further advice. In some cases, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, it may be necessary for your line manager to refer you to Occupational Health via their portal.

Check out more DSE tips.

Health and Safety Team

Further information: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/hso/hsoatoz