In addition to desktops, DSE Regulations apply equally to portable DSE such as laptop/notebook computers, tablets and other hand held devices.
Working safely on the move
Post Covid and with the establishment of hybrid working patterns there has been an increase in musculoskeletal issues reported nationwide. With the availability of not only laptops but also devices such as mobile phones and tablets, there has never been more temptation to work on these devices whilst travelling, sitting in transient environments such as cafés or working from home in relaxed settings such as sitting on a sofa. Whilst this capability may seem advantageous and comfortable at the time, there is a risk that a person’s posture will likely be compromised in these environments. Whenever your device is lower than eye level, there is a tendency to slouch which puts strain on the neck, spine and eyes. Regular use of this type of informal posture can lead to chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The table below illustrates tasks and their suitability to each type of device. If you are working in a posture, which puts strain on your back/neck, i.e. any position where the device is not eye level, for more than 1 hour, then you should ensure regular breaks to stand and stretch or alternatively sit at a desk/chair as per the set-up illustrated in Appendix 1.
Hybrid working
Contracted full-time home workers require a DSE workstation the same as they would have if they were based on an STFC site.
Staff who have a working pattern of set days in the office/home, e.g. 3 days a week in the office and 2 days a week from home, will require a Workstation Risk Assessment both in the office and at home. Should either Workstation Risk Assessment identify an issue, the staff member should raise this with their line manager. If the staff member has a diagnosed medical condition, the line manager can request more information via a referral to Occupational Health via HR (staff member must give consent).
Ideally, staff would have the following set up both at home and in the office:
- Adjustable chair (5-star base, seat height and depth adjustment, back support)
- Desk – full height table, dining room table, kitchen table, etc.
- Keyboard and mouse
- Either a docking station and display screen or a laptop stand so top of screen is eye level
Hot-Desking
Hot-desking is when staff are not allocated their own desk but instead have one assigned to them on a rota system or choose an available desk for the day. Deptartments. must provide suitable equipment at each hot-desking station:
- Adjustable chair (5-star base, seat height and depth adjustment, back support)
- Desk
- Keyboard and mouse
- Either a docking station and display screen or a laptop stand
As per the DSE training, staff must set up each station to meet their needs. See the diagram in Appendix 1 for a reminder of how a workstation should be set up.
