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Workstation Safety : Display Equipment User Top Tips

Workstation Safety top tip - Picture 1. Workstation Safety top tip - Picture 2.
Why is DSE Set up important?

Poor posture is the underlying cause of many musculoskeletal disorders experienced as a result of working with Display Screen Equipment.

If you are sitting at a workstation it is essential that your chair is adjusted to fit you, on a daily basis. After all, you would not get in a car and drive for 6-8 hours without adjusting the driver’s seat to fit you comfortably.

There are some basic elements to setting up your chair and workstation from an ergonomic viewpoint. Make the workstation and chair fit you, not the other way around.

Adjusting your chair...

If the seat of the chair is too low (see picture 1) you will automatically raise your shoulders to accommodate the height of the keyboard, causing one to lean forward to support ones shoulders by resting elbows on the desk.

When you have altered the chair to the right shape, measure the height by sitting sideways next to your desk. With elbows at 90 degrees the underside of your fingers should be level with the A-S-D-F key line – and the chair should be adjusted to this height.

Adjusting your screen...

Now is the time to check the height of your screen to maintain the correct curvature of your neck. If your screen is too low you look down; this can be a source of neck pain and ultimately arm pain. The top of the screen should be almost level with ones eyes (see picture 2).

Laptops do not comply with this regulation, thus a docking station or laptop stand is needed with a separate keyboard and mouse.

Are you sitting comfortably?

Looking for DSE regulations & resources?

Visit our Workplace Safety resource pages.

• Do you need a foot rest? Hold your thighs horizontal and your feet parallel with the floor. If your feet don’t touch the ground flat, you need a footrest.

• Do you know how to alter the height of the backrest? Most chairs have a release button to allow the back rest to go up or down. Lumber support should be at waist level.

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