Home / Case Studies / Cumbria Council DSE Assessments

Cumbria Council DSE Assessments

Cumbria Council, like many other public sector organisations, recognises the importance of employee health and safety. In particular, the need to ensure the ergonomic well-being of its workforce became a priority, especially with the shift towards remote working. To address this, the Council partnered with Centric, a specialist in Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments, to evaluate and improve the working conditions for its employees.

Region Cumbria
Sector / Industry Public Sector / Council
Service DSE Assessments
Quality Remote and In-Office
>Safety 100% Employee Satisfaction

Objectives

The primary objectives of the partnership were:

To conduct comprehensive DSE assessments for Cumbria Council employees.
To identify and mitigate any ergonomic risks associated with the use of display screen equipment.
To provide recommendations for ergonomic improvements to enhance employee comfort and productivity.
To ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.

Our Approach

1. Initial Consultation and Planning: Centric began with a detailed consultation with the Council’s health and safety team. This involved understanding the specific needs of different departments, the current state of DSE compliance, and any existing issues reported by the employees.

2. Customised Assessment Strategy: Given the diverse nature of the Council’s workforce, Centric developed a tailored assessment strategy. This included both on-site evaluations for office-based staff and at-home assessments for remote workers.

3. Training and Awareness: Centric provided training sessions to ensure that all employees were aware of the importance of proper DSE setup. This training included instructions on correct posture, the ideal arrangement of desk equipment, and the potential risks of prolonged poor ergonomics.

4. Conducting Assessments:

On-Site Assessments: For office-based staff, Centric’s ergonomic specialists visited the Council offices to conduct one-on-one assessments. They evaluated the setup of desks, chairs, monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals.
At-Home Assessments: For remote workers, Centric experts visit staff at their homes. Employees were guided through a self-assessment process, which was then reviewed by Centric’s experts.

5. Reporting and Recommendations: After completing the assessments, Centric compiled detailed reports for each employee. These reports included:

A summary of the assessment findings.
Identified ergonomic risks and their potential impact.
Customised recommendations for improvement, such as adjusting chair height, repositioning monitors, or using ergonomic accessories like keyboard trays and footrests.

6. Follow-Up: Centric also provided follow-up sessions to ensure that the recommended changes were implemented effectively and to address any ongoing concerns.

Results

1. Improved Ergonomic Compliance: Post-assessment, there was a significant improvement in the ergonomic compliance of workstations. Over 95% of the employees reported that they had made the recommended changes to their setups.

2. Enhanced Employee Well-Being: There was a noticeable reduction in the number of employees reporting discomfort related to DSE usage. Complaints about back pain, neck strain, and eye fatigue decreased by over 40%.

3. Increased Productivity: The ergonomic improvements contributed to a more comfortable working environment, which in turn boosted productivity. Employees reported that they could work for longer periods without discomfort, leading to better performance and efficiency.

4. Regulatory Compliance: The partnership ensured that Cumbria Council met all regulatory requirements regarding DSE. This compliance not only reduced the risk of legal issues but also demonstrated the Council’s commitment to employee health and safety.

Conclusion

Centric’s comprehensive DSE assessment and ergonomic improvement programme significantly benefited Cumbria Council and its employees. The collaboration not only addressed immediate ergonomic concerns but also laid the groundwork for a healthier, more productive workforce. By prioritising employee well-being, Cumbria Council set a positive example for other public sector organisations to follow.

Key Takeaways

Tailored Approach: The success of the programme was largely due to the customised strategy that addressed the unique needs of both office-based and remote workers.
Employee Involvement: Training and engaging employees in the assessment process ensured better adherence to ergonomic recommendations.
Ongoing Support: Continuous follow-up and support were crucial in maintaining ergonomic standards and addressing new issues as they arose.

This case study underscores the importance of effective DSE assessments and ergonomic practices in promoting a healthy and productive work environment.