It is Queen Mary policy that all staff using DSE as part of their work should complete the online workstation assessment module on MySafety. DSE typically includes a desk, computer/laptop/other similar devices and its accessories (e.g. chair).

Visitors, contractors and postgraduate research students not on QMUL payroll can utilise Appendix 1 of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy, Arrangements and Guidance to complete an assessment.

View the DSE Process Flowchart for further information on how workstation assessment issues are raised, resolved and where necessary referred.

Support for Accessing the Workstation Assessment Module

The online DSE tutorial for staff and is designed to give DSE users the necessary information to carry out an ergonomic self-assessment of their workstation. Completion of this module is a requirement to obtain an eye care (Specsavers) voucher. Details of how to obtain a voucher can be found in the Eye Care Vouchers section below.

If you are having difficulty in accessing the workstation assessment module, please follow the MySafety Workstation Assessment Guidance.

Further resources to help you set up your workstation

• Getting the most out of your display screen equipment and chair
• Adjusting an office chair
• Setting up your workstation

Selecting and Purchasing DSE

Display Screen Equipment must meet regulatory requirements and be both appropriate to the office and the person using the equipment.  Before equipment is purchased / used please check out our guidance on Obtaining Correct Office Equipment. Once your assessor has contacted you and made any relevant recommendations, liaise with your Line Manager or Local Safety Coordinator (details can be requested from hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk if you are unsure) about obtaining the additional DSE.  

When requesting any equipment that improves your working conditions but is not a health and safety requirement (e.g., an additional screen), you do not need to complete a workstation assessment. Staff should discuss these requests with their line manager. It is each School’s responsibility to then manage these requests accordingly.

How to Assemble Display Screen Equipment

Should the additional DSE obtained require assembling e.g. unassembled chair, please consider the following options:

• Upon purchase, ask the supplier if they offer an assembly service at the point of delivery
• Contact the Estates Helpdesk (Maintenance) to request assistance in assembling equipment 

All QMUL staff and postgraduate research students on payroll, who qualify as DSE Users (see 5.2 of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy, Arrangements and Guidance for definition) are entitled to a DSE eye care voucher. 

The voucher allows you to redeem a free eye and eyesight test as well as a £49 contribution to single vision (middle distance / computer use) lenses. Please note, bifocals/varifocals are not covered under the policy.

Driver’s eyecare

QMUL staff who need to drive as part of their role can claim a driver’s eye care voucher which entitles them to prescription glasses for driving. After submitting a request for the voucher, we will request confirmation of the part of your job description that covers driving. 

Requesting a voucher

To obtain an eye care voucher, please complete the Specsavers Eye Care Voucher Request Form. The vouchers will be emailed directly to you from Specsavers. 

Please note safety spectacles for laboratory users are not covered within the eyecare scheme. For further information you should refer to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy which can be found on the PPE webpage.

Queen Mary Documents

Employee Eye Care Scheme

Display Screen Equipment Policy

Other Information Sources

Working Environment (standards you can expect in your working environment, how to raise concerns should you feel they are not being met and some potential solutions)

Health and Safety Executive resources are available on http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

Primary legislation: The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Key Health & Safety Contacts

For Advice and Assistance at QMUL, contact the H&S Advisor for your Faculty / PS or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/

All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk