Working with Computers and Monitors
Managers Responsibilities
As a manager it is your responsibility to make
sure that the DSE assessments are carried out and that you make
sure your staff have time to do them. Managers also have
responsibility to follow up any issues that arise out of the DSE
assessment and keep a note of the outcome. You may choose to
delegate this task to a co-ordinator.
Identifying the user
- Normally use a DSE for continuous or near contious spells of an hour or more at a time: and
- Use it in this way more or less daily.
When the assessments are
needed
- For all new starters.
- When work stations change or are relocated.
- The nature of work tasks changes considerably.
- Major changes are made to the equipment,furniture,work environment or software.
- If a member of staff has a disability or any physical changes (such as pregnancy).
Nominate a co-ordinator
- The co-ordinators should be trained for this task.
- The manager needs to nominate a member of staff in their area to be a co-ordinator. If you have a large area then two or three co-ordinators may be required.
- The co-ordinator will make sure that the assessments are carried out and help the staff through this.
- They will make sure that any actions or changes required are carried out and that the records are kept.
- This could be a folder on the computer or the assessments can be printed off and kept in a paper file. Whichever way, the records must be kept for 6 years and any changes required must be carried out and documented on the assessment.
Actions required may include a document holder
or a foot rest, equipment may need mending or replacing, staff may
require an eye test. This needs to be done and then documented on
the assessment as completed.
Breaks
- Managers need to make sure that the work day is structured so that staff are able to take breaks. Breaks or changes of activity should be included in working time.
- Breaks should be taken when performance and productivity are still at a maximum.
- Short, frequent breaks are more satisfactory than occasional longer breaks.
- Wherever possible users should be allowed some discretion as to when to take breaks and how they carry out tasks.
- Changes of activity (time spent doing other tasks not using the DSE) appear from study to be more effective than formal rest breaks in relieving visual fatigue.
- If possible, breaks should be taken away form the DSE workstation, and allow the user to stand up, move about and change posture. If it is not possible to leave the area then these changes in posture can be carried out in the work area.
