Don’t just sit there

Would you wear a pair of shoes found under your new desk left by your predecessor? Then why would you use their workstation set up?

On many occasions when HSD Advisers visit a member of staff who has noted issues in their on-line DSE assessment, we find staff shoe horned into an existing set up with little or no thought as to whether it suits them. Tall people using a foot rest ‘because it was there’. Monitors too far back so staff are leaning forward to see clearly. Chairs adjusted to suit the previous occupant.

Spot the difference This is the same chair – apart from the colour of course – yet the set up on each is completely different because they are being used by two different people. What differences can you spot?

Same chair – Two different set ups Cushion for one – raised back for another – both providing lumbar / back support for the user

Same display screen equipment Two different set ups Again here we have the same equipment yet the set ups are different.

Desk set up changed as a result of Varifocal glasses being prescribed – user needs to view screen through middle section of glasses which means the monitor needs to be lower than when single vision glasses were worn – monitor riser removed – chair raised – foot stall used.

Tidy desk – all your often used items within easy reach and logically placed

On line DSE assessment Whilst is may take a few weeks for the ‘please do a DSE assessment’ email from MySafety – new and existing staff can use the guidance document* on the DSE page of the HSD web site to adjust their work station. *making the most of your display screen equipment and chair which can help with desk / chair set up and usage.

Buying office furniture You can ask us and we would be more than happy to advise. It could save you money! Shelving included in desk partition means the user can not adjust height of monitor – as a result chair is too low – incorrect sitting position – leading to neck ache, back ache and eye strain. Over head lockers cause the same issues. Monitor riser can be used for hot desks.

Questions? Please contact hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk