How DSE training can improve the health and safety of your employees

Bethan Foston Date published: Dec 14, 23

Working at a desk for long periods can cause a range of health problems, from back pain to repetitive strain injury. In their 2023 report, the non-profit Versus Arthritis highlighted how 23.3 million working days were lost due to MSK conditions in 2021 alone, making it the third most common reason for lost working days.

That's why every business needs to arrange DSE (display screen equipment) training for its workers, to avoid the most common occupational health risks. This type of training can help employees avoid long-term health hazards, productivity enhancement, and reduce absenteeism.

In this blog, we'll discuss why DSE training and proper workplace ergonomics is essential and how businesses can organize separate training for office workers, hybrid workers, and homeworkers.

The importance of DSE training for office workers

Office workers spend most of their working day sitting in front of a computer, using a range of devices and equipment that can cause eye strain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. MSK issues will always be common and, unfortunately, there is no way of eradicating the problem completely. However, with proper equipment and training, the risk of developing related injuries can be considerably reduced.

In its truest form, DSE training covers all aspects of occupational health and safety and explores associated risks of using DSE equipment – everything from eye strain, poor posture and fatigue, to back and neck injuries. It also covers the correct use of equipment such as chairs, desks, keyboards, and mice, the importance of adjusting the height of chairs and monitors and how to position screens to avoid glare and eye strain.

Essentially, it aims to educate workers on the safest way to use their equipment and is usually followed by an assessment to ensure the information has been understood. Not only is it a legal obligation for an employer to adhere to DSE regulations to stay compliant but it is vital to ensuring the overall health and wellbeing standard of their workforce is maintained.

The need for DSE training for hybrid workers

The transition to a hybrid working model, where employees split their time between the office and remote work, was only accelerated by the pandemic and introduced a new set of challenges and opportunities for employees and businesses alike. Hybrid workers face even more unique health risks as, compared to an office environment, they're likely to work on different devices and in different environments which may not always be ergonomically correct. DSE training for hybrid workers should cover how to set up a safe and comfortable workstation at home, how to avoid distractions and maintain focus while working from home, and how to balance work with other responsibilities.

DSE training for hybrid workers is essential to address their distinct challenges and foster adaptability in diverse work settings. It educates them on safe workspace setup, focus maintenance, and work-life balance, boosting their well-being and enhancing productivity. This investment benefits both employees and organizations, enabling success in the evolving hybrid work model.

The benefits of DSE training for homeworkers

Despite the common misconception that remote work is devoid of occupational hazards, homeworkers face similar health risks as office workers and hybrid workers but are often overlooked in terms of health and safety training. DSE training for homeworkers should cover the importance of setting up a separate workspace, creating a comfortable and ergonomic setup, taking regular breaks, and avoiding long hours at the computer. It should also address the psychological impact of remote work, such as loneliness and isolation, and provide resources for mental health support.

Through comprehensive DSE training, organizations can empower homeworkers to thrive in their roles while prioritizing their health, both physically and mentally.

How to organize DSE training for your business to improve occupational health and safety

Every business has a legal duty to provide DSE training for its employees. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to conduct a DSE assessment of all employees who use display screen equipment for more than an hour a day. Training should be provided to address any issues identified during the assessment. Employers can arrange DSE training in-house, through external providers, or e-learning platforms. However, online training programs offer the flexibility to train employees at their own pace, in their own time, and from any location, making it a more convenient and cost-effective option.

Invest in e-learning and the overall success of your business

For any business looking to improve the health and safety and remain complaint, DSE training is non-negotiable. Even though organizing separate training for office workers, hybrid workers, and homeworkers can be confusing, ensuring that all employees are aware of the health risks and how to avoid them is key in reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity. DSE training should be an ongoing process that adapts to the changing needs of employees and the business which is why e-learning is such a smart investment. After all, DSE training is an investment in the well-being of your employees and the success of your business.

Using one singular platform simplifies some of these challenges allowing you to train, assess and keep workers safe, no matter where they are. Our CPD-accredited e-learning platform, Ideagen WorkRite, enables you to provide high-quality DSE training tailored to various working arrangements. 

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