We work with a number of business that know that they need to complete DSE assessments but are put off by concerns that doing so, will mean replacing all of their seating.

Now we have to accept that it is true that some staff seem to develop chair envy when others are provided with ergonomic seating in response to problems identified in a DSE assessment. However that should not be the reason not to do the assessments; if we ignore DSE then we are likely to create an even bigger problem.

To overcome chair envy it’s important to implement an effective approach to DSE and this needs to include education through training and a suitable approach to risk assessment. When this is done well, staff will understand it’s not all about the chair but how they manage their workstation and their time at it. The assessments should help to identify where real problems exist and find the right solutions; also when done well they will in many instances suggest alternative controls rather than just focus on the seating.

The important thing to realise is that as a business you can’t just close your eyes to a problem you need to find an effective way to manage it.