DSE Assessor Training (DSE Scotland)

About the course

The course has a strong focus on practical assessment techniques and the identification and resolution of common issues. During face-to-face courses, a full, deconstructed mock workstation assessment using real DSE equipment and furniture is included, while virtual courses utilise a detailed breakdown of the process with practical video demonstrations.  In both versions of the course, a variety of alternative DSE furniture and equipment is discussed (and on face-to-face courses displayed, for hands-on trial and discussion.

Who should attend?

This training is suitable for anyone who carries out DSE risk assessments and/or provides advice on the safe use of DSE at work.  It is also appropriate for anyone who has an interest in (or responsibility for) employees and their wellbeing, including line managers, safety, HR, IT, facilities and healthcare professionals.

Why should you attend?

Carrying out effective DSE risk assessments:

• saves money by helping people stay at or return to work, reducing sickness absence
• provides real help to anyone suffering pain/discomfort at work
• increases productivity
• ensures compliance with UK criminal and civil law, protecting your reputation and reducing the likelihood of compensation claimsimproves morale by clearly demonstrating commitment to safety and welfare

Unlike many other safety, welfare or wellbeing measures, the safe use and management of DSE has an immediate relevance for anyone who uses computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones for work or in leisure time.

This interactive and hands-on training receives strong positive feedback for its comprehensive and informative content, delivered in an accessible way. Attendees are encouraged to share any of their own DSE experiences and raise queries and questions at any point – for example, regarding the application of techniques or processes within their own organisation.

In both versions of the course, a variety of alternative DSE furniture and equipment is discussed (and on face-to-face courses displayed, for hands-on trial and discussion.

For public face-to-face courses, award-winning, easily accessible venues are carefully selected to provide the best possible training environments.

This training is also available as an in-house option for individuals or groups, either face-to-face or virtually.  Please contact us for more details.

What you will learn

Suitable for those with or without previous experience of DSE risk assessments, attendees will learn about:

• the recognised ill-health effects of computer use, including musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress, visual fatigue and inactivity, and how to address these
• the positive benefits of effective assessments, including prevention of ill-health and the management of existing conditions
• the specific requirements of the DSE Regulations and their application in practice
• the role of a DSE assessor – scope and limits of responsibilities (including how and when to seek support)
• best practice seated posture and workstation set up
• chair and equipment adjustment
• providing elements of training and information during assessments
• the importance of movement and postural changes, and facilitating this through active working, work routines, breaks, changes of work activity, sit/stand equipment etc.
• ergonomics and human factors
• different methods of assessment
• assessment paperwork and practice
• the use of portable DSE, including laptops, smartphones and tablet computers
• working from home, including with reference to the impact of the COVID pandemic and the practicalities of advising on safe DSE use or carrying out DSE assessments virtually
• how to identify and deal with common issues and problems
• environmental factors including space, temperature, lighting and ventilation
• other workplace safety law and practice relevant to DSE use
• recording, storing and sharing assessment records
• identifying, selecting and procuring DSE furniture and equipment
• alternative items of DSE furniture and equipment which can help some users
• new forms of technology and their potential impact

Expected outcomes

At the end of the training, attendees will have an understanding and appreciation of:

• the types and scale of health risks associated with DSE use
• the specific requirements of the DSE Regulations
• their role as a DSE Assessor
• how to competently carry out DSE risk assessments as required by the DSE Regulations, including identifying and resolving common issues

Course content

• Brief introductions
• Your role as a DSE assessor
• Why manage safety and health at work?
• Introduction to health and safety law
• Risk assessment, and group exercise
• Risks to health associated with DSE Use
• Ergonomics / Human Factors
• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment) Regulations 1992 (as amended), and HSE guidance
• Assessments: paperwork and practice
• Resolving common issues
• Portable DSE
• Home and mobile workers
• An introduction to alternative DSE equipment and furniture
• Training assessment (multiple choice)
• Questions, feedback and close

Assessment

There is a short multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course to check understanding.

What’s included?

Course fees include all course materials and unlimited future use of our DSE risk assessment paperwork, if required. On public face-to-face courses, refreshments and lunch are also provided.  
To help consolidate some of the key learning points, attendees are also given the option of free enrolment on our short e-learning course, DSE Awareness with Self-Assessment.  This is also a CIEHF-accredited short course.

About DSE Scotland

Established in 2013, DSE Scotland Limited are a safety consultancy who specialise in providing high quality face-to-face and virtual DSE training and assessment services to organisations of all shapes and sizes.

Regarding assessments, to help retain our independence we purposefully do not sell, re-sell or otherwise benefit financially from the provision of DSE furniture or equipment, but can advise on possible options and suppliers if appropriate.

Our principal Neal Cameron is a fully qualified and experienced occupational safety professional, whose previous roles include safety advisor to the Scottish Government and part-time tutor in health and safety law at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

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