We are not designed to sit all day and it affects how we feel. In this high-tech age, where we are working many hours in front of a screen, inactive, and in a heightened state of stress, our bodies and minds are under pressure to keep us going.
Long-term, the appearance of musculoskeletal conditions, repetitive strain injuries, fatigue, and low morale is almost inevitable. That’s why Nonica has created an in-depth DSE Workplace Ergonomic Assessment delivered by highly skilled osteopaths.
As with every Health & Safety assessment, the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Workstation Assessment helps to identify risks and hazards that might compromise the health and wellbeing of the computer user.
There is a legal requirement for all employers under the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 to undertake DSE Workstation Assessments for computer users and to provide them with information about the risks of prolonged computer use.
How much do the assessments cost? … each level of ergonomic assessment has a different cost. Please get in touch with Nonica for a personalised quote based on your individual or company needs on Level 1 DSE assessments, Level 2 DSE assessments and Home Ergonomic Assessments.
Virtual Ergonomic Assessments are also available.
Our Approach to DSE Workplace Assessments
We will discuss in detail the benefits of good posture, and how you can prevent injuries through an appropriate desk set-up and simple stretches. We will then put our recommendations into quick and effective action. Our approach not only evaluates your employees’ workstations but teaches them how to use their equipment ergonomically.
We will recommend affordable changes based on their specific needs or pre-existing injuries. Our osteopathic expertise on musculoskeletal injuries and efficient posture elevate our workshop beyond your standard online ergonomic tutorials.
Our program is designed to boost morale, reduce pain, and bring clarity of mind to your employee’s day. Optimum efficiency and productivity rely vastly on healthy, happy, and supported employees.
What happens on the day?
Talk on Ergonomics at the Workplace
We take pride in our work because we are passionate about educating your staff. Before the assessments, we start with an engaging 60-minute presentation which covers all the hot topics:
- Outline of the UK regulations and employer requirements. • Basic anatomy and mechanisms of injury, including potential risks of prolonged computer work.
- Principles of good posture and sitting. • Advice on correct workstation setup including chair adjustments, monitor – keyboard – mouse position, use of document holders and footrests. • Common problems and bad habits and how to avoid them (e.g. RSI, back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches). • Importance of taking breaks and what to do if symptoms are experienced.
One on One Ergonomic Assessments
Following the presentation, one-on-one assessments will be carried out by our team of experts, who are all qualified osteopaths and tailor each assessment to the individual. We have extended experience in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and postural problems.
Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your exact requirements, however complex the issues may be.
-> There are two types of assessments you could choose from:
Level 1 DSE Work Station Assessment:
Suitable for individuals with no pain or disability but interested in preventing pain.
DSE Work Station Assessment
Seated posture analysis
Changes of current workstation for ergonomic efficiency
User and workstation photographs
Full report detailing any recommendations for additional equipment or ergonomic solutions
Duration: 30 minutes
Level 2 DSE Work Station Assessment:
This is suitable for users experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
Full case history and standing examination
DSE Work Station Assessment
Seated posture analysis
Changes of current workstation for ergonomic efficiency
User and workstation photographs
Full report detailing any recommendations for additional equipment or ergonomic solutions
Postural exercise advice
Duration: 60 minutes
When do DSE assessments need to be reviewed
- Major changes are made to the equipment, furniture, work environment or software
- Users change workstations
- The nature of work changes considerably
What causes Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders can affect muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in all parts of the body. They can be episodic or chronic in duration. They can also result from a work-related accident or prolonged inefficient posture at the workplace. Employers and workers alike are often unaware that bad posture, prolonged sitting and poor workstation design can be the trigger for the musculoskeletal pain and discomfort experienced.
Some workers may experience upper limb problems, backache, neck pain and headaches due to DSE overuse or poorly designed workstations. The causes for these injuries are not always immediately obvious but if left untreated they can lead to longer-term physical health conditions and impair the quality of life.
Impact of Absenteeism on UK Business
- Sickness absence costs UK businesses an estimated £29bn each year ¹
- An estimated 141.4 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in the UK in 2018. ¹
- The average rate of employee absence is at 5.8 days per employee ²
- Minor illness (cold, headaches) is the main cause for short-term sickness absence. Mental ill health is the main causes for long-term sickness absence ³
- Musculoskeletal conditions (including back pain, neck strain and repetitive strain injury) are the second main cause of sickness absence both long- and short-term ³
- 498.000 workers suffered from musculoskeletal disorders in 2018/19 ²
- Effective office ergonomic interventions on average reduce the number of musculoskeletal problems by 61%, reduce lost workdays by 88% and reduce staff turnover by 87%. ⁴
References
¹Health at Work: Economic Evidence Report, 2016
²Office National Statistics: Sickness Absence in the UK Labour Market, 2018
³CIPD Health and Well-being at Work Survey Report 2020
⁴Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors 2020