The Workstation Set Up Checklist should be used to complete a basic assessment.

For any issues that cannot be resolved using the checklist, the University’s Health and Safety Advisor can provide further assistance.

The Workstation Set Up Guide can be used as a reminder of the correct postures, especially for those using a laptop for prolonged periods.

Tips for working with Display Screen Equipment

There are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risks from DSE:

• Breaking up long spells of DSE work with rest breaks (at least 5 minutes every hour) or changes in activity.
• Avoiding awkward, static postures by regularly changing position
• Getting up and moving or doing simple stretching exercises
• Avoiding eye fatigue by changing focus or blinking from time to time. Follow the 20-20-20 rule - take a 20-second break from looking at the screen every 20 minutes. During the break, focus on an object 20 feet away to allow the eye muscles to relax.

Managing Eye Strain

Spending a long time focused on a screen will cause eye strain that may present as headaches, sore eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity or difficulty focusing. These symptoms may cause temporary discomfort that will subside once eyes are rested. 

Reducing the amount of screen time or resting eyes during short frequent breaks is the simplest way to help manage screen fatigue. Whilst reducing screen time may be difficult in practice, there are ways to help manage eye strain, including;

• Using adequate lighting- Controlling the amount of sunlight and reducing the brightness of overhead lighting can help.
• Reducing glare - shiny surfaces, light or gloss wall coverings, and shiny screen surfaces all cause excessive glare, using a monitor hood or anti reflective coating may be helpful.
• Adjusting monitor settings- using contrasting displays or adjusting the monitors colour temperature to reduce the amount of blue light emitted can help reduce eye strain.
• Regular eye tests - Vouchers are available for staff using the Specsavers Corporate Voucher Scheme 
• Modifying your workstation - positioning the screen at the right height for your eyeline and distance away from you is recommended.

 Coping with Screen Fatigue

Workstation Assessments

The self-assessment Workstation Set Up Checklist should be used by all staff to ensure their workstation layout is correct.

For some staff, including those with specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) a more detailed workstation assessment may be required. These can be arranged via your HR Manager.

Following a workstation assessment, a written report will be provided to the staff member. Where there are specific recommendations related to the working environment, work routine or if additional equipment is recommended the report will also be sent to the relevant line manager.

The procurement of any recommended equipment (or equivalent items) is the responsibility of the relevant School or Department. Access to Work may be used to cover the costs of equipment in some circumstances. 

Homeworking

The University has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, including those working from home. Home workers are defined as those people who have formally agreed arrangements with their managers to work at home or more temporary arrangements. As direct supervision of home workers is not possible, the arrangements for home working must be agreed between the home worker and their supervisor or line manager. Line managers and staff should refer to and complete the Guidance and Health and Safety Checklist for Homeworking document for submission to the university Health and Safety Officer by email. Please see the following useful links for further guidance:

• HSE Guidance on Home Working Link
  
• ROSPA Home Safety Link
• Government publication - Make Your Home Safe from Fire” Link

Stress and Mental Health

Changes to your normal work pattern, work colleagues or means of support can all be a source of stress. Signs of stress should be identified as early as possible to help manage the situation. Keep in regular contact with colleagues and your line manager to help manage the impact of any stressors.

If stress is linked to something in the workplace, managers must complete a stress risk assessment. The University's Work Related Stress Policy and Code of Practice should be referred to for further information and the Work Related Stress - Risk Assessment Form

Staff can help look after their own stress levels, if you have a concern, talk to your line manager or HR Manager.