Statistics

There are very good reasons to consider performing a workstation assessment. Statistics unfortunately speak for themselves:

  • An astonishing 158 000 new musculoskeletal work related disorders were reported in 2010/2011 alone
  • 508 000 cases of work-related illness reported in 2012 were due to musculoskeletal disorders
  • 7.6 million working days were lost that same year due to musculoskeletal work related disorders

Also:

  • 40% of musculoskeletal disorders reported affect the back
  • 40% of musculoskeletal disorders reported affect the upper limbs

Source: Health and Safety Statistics 2010/2011  http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/

Risk Factors for developing a Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD)

  • Prolonged static posture
  • Non-neutral posture and inept positioning at work stations
  • Highly repetitive movements
  • Work place demands
  • Work style

Contributory personal factors

  • Medical Conditions
  • Hyper-mobility
  • Excessive force
  • Hobbies

What does the law say?

The Display Screen Equipment (D.S.E.) Regulations (1992), (as amended in 2002) state that, employers have a duty to minimise risks to staff using DSE. This covers 7 obligations for employers to identify risks to users and workstations, undertake risk assessments, and provide equipment, training, testing and adequate systems and information.

How can Vitality Physiotherapy help your business?

As members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health (ACPOHE), we are able to identify issues and concerns related to the use of computers, laptops, hot-desks as well as to home working. We will also advise on remedial interventions in line with the current health and safety regulation, not just ticking check boxes, but providing a thorough and specialist physiotherapy biomechanical assessment and evaluation. We will be able to carry out on site assessments and advise on office furniture and equipment required to suit and fit the individual.

DSE Compliant Assessment

Our DSE Compliant Assessment will satisfy the requirements laid out in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002), highlighting any areas of concern and providing recommendations for improvement where necessary. A report summarising observations and recommendations for the user in his/her work set-up will be submitted.

This covers the following:

  • History of present complaint if indicated, detailing behaviour, nature and severity of symptoms.
  • Medical History
  • Detailed task analysis, interactions and general work- routine observation
  • Workstation assessment
  • Report detailing-existing set-up, measurements of existing equipment and anthropometric measurements (measurement of user dimensions)
  • Interpretation of Findings
  • Conclusions answering the referrer’s particular concerns, and reasonable adjustments
  • Recommendations
  • A detailed list of suggested suppliers and cost of equipment