Individual, Workstation and Risk Assessments

Risk management involves taking practical steps to protect people within the workplace. These services may assess an individual, a team, a specific workstation, the workplace itself (e.g. team area, office, building etc.) or may be task focussed.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Workstation risk assessment

Display Screen Equipment Regulations (1992/2002) require employers to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the work station for all computer users. This includes consideration of the furniture, equipment, computer hardware/software, work routine, task(s), and the environment.

Greenleafe will guide you through the regulations to ensure compliance and best practice. We can work within your existing framework or provide a complete outsourced service. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Level 1: DSE Workstation Analysis

Suitable for: all computer users (complies with DSE health & safety legislation)
Session length: typically 30 minutes per person

What we do:

• identify existing and potential risks
• provide information and training on how to prevent injury, improve health, comfort and productivity
• introduce changes and solutions which can be made immediately
• report outcomes and outstanding issues to the user and primary contact/referrer through debrief session(s)

Level 2: DSE Plus

This service may be conducted separately or in conjunction with the basic DSE workstation analysis.

Suitable for: those with mild or intermittent symptoms such as lower back, shoulder or neck pain, upper limb discomfort, fatigue, headaches or eye discomfort
Session length: typically 60 minutes per person

What we do:

• in-depth review of risk factors
• adjust the existing workstation (where possible and appropriate to do so) e.g. chair settings, workspace management, monitor height/position, keyboard/pointing device use and position, software settings etc.
• offer hands-on trial of alternative equipment e.g. keyboards, pointing devices, software solutions
• test alternative working methods and practices
• introduce changes and solutions that can be made immediately and discuss further action required
• report outcomes and outstanding issues to the user and primary contact/referrer through debrief session(s)
• provide 2-6 page summary report outlining: issues raised; outcomes; outstanding issues; purchase guidance notes & contact details for example suppliers

Individual assessment of need

For those with reported symptoms, disabilities or access difficulties, an individual assessment is essential to maintain productivity and optimise well-being at work. This service may be conducted separately or in conjunction with the basic DSE workstation analysis.

For those returning to work following a period of injury/ill-health, this assessment may be scheduled prior to the return date to ensure the workstation set-up and assigned tasks are suitable.

Suitable for: those with accessibility issues resulting from: musculoskeletal disorders (RSI, ULD, back pain), ill-health, injury, sensory and/or physical impairment or disability, literacy and/or cognitive needs
Session length: Standard: 1-2 hours per person / Complex: 2-4 hours per person

What we do:

• undertake a full review of the individual’s working environment, work role/pattern, equipment provision and existing workstation set-up before identifying where adjustments can be made
• conduct in-depth confidential interviews discussing existing difficulties, symptoms and/or concerns
• observe the individual carrying out duties at the assigned workstation(s)
• adjust the existing workstation(s) e.g. chair settings, workspace management, monitor height/position, keyboard/pointing device use and position, software settings etc.
• offer hands-on trial of alternative equipment, e.g. keyboards, pointing devices, software, paperwork solutions
• test alternative working methods and practices
• introduce changes and solutions which can be made immediately, discuss conclusions/further action required
• liaise with internal support teams to identify how reasonable adjustments can be made
• provide comprehensive written report covering: individual’s reported symptoms/difficulties, work role, existing equipment and issues identified; observations and recommendations based on our analysis of the existing work role, practices, tasks and workstation set-up; purchase guidance notes & contact details for example suppliers

Pre-employment / Return to Work Review

Where concern exists over the suitability of a work role, assigned task(s), furniture and/or equipment provision a pre-employment / return to work review may be provided.

Suitable for: potential employees and those returning to work following ill-health/injury
Session length: bespoke (please contact us to discuss your individual requirements)
Note: This service focuses on ergonomics, accessibility and practical need; it is not a medical/functional capacity review

What we do:

• review the work role, tasks, practices, work location, furniture and equipment provision
• discuss existing symptoms and/or health concerns
• observe trial of proposed furniture, workstation, equipment and tasks by the individual
• conduct posture and task analysis
• conduct trial of alternative working practices, workstation settings and/or IT equipment,
  e.g. keyboards, pointing devices, software
• provide 2-6 page report covering: issues identified; changes made during the session; further action required; purchase guidance notes & contact details for example suppliers

Pregnancy and maternity leave assessment

In addition to standard DSE assessments, employers must conduct a specific risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW), which aims to protect expectant and new mothers at work.

To ensure changing needs are met during pregnancy, Greenleafe will work with expectant mothers until maternity leave, addressing common workplace risks such as standing or sitting for long periods of time, lifting/carrying heavy loads, working hours, environmental issues and work-related stress.

Suitable for: pregnant and new mothers
Session length: bespoke (please contact us to discuss your individual requirements)

What we do:

• review the work role, tasks, practices, furniture and equipment provision
• discuss existing symptoms and/or health concerns
• conduct periodic updates by telephone and/or email
• offer ongoing support through face-to-face meetings for those with more complex needs/issues
• returner’s review for those returning from maternity leave to ensure the assigned workstation(s) and task(s) are suitable
• provide 2-6 page report covering: issues identified; changes made during the session; further action required; and purchase guidance notes & contact details for example suppliers
• Follow-up documentation is provided, as appropriate, throughout the assessment period

Workplace risk assessment

Our workplace health & safety risk assessments can be conducted in a variety of settings including offices and portable work environments e.g. home/mobile or hot-desking situations.

Suitable for: teams, offices, the building as a whole
Session length: half day (minimum)

What we do:

• identify workplace hazards
• decide who might be harmed and how
• evaluate risks and decide on precautions
• record findings and, where possible, implement change
• provide an in-depth report covering: issues identified; changes made during the session; further action required; purchase guidance notes (including contact details for example suppliers)
• periodically review and record/action updates as necessary

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