Resources

Here’s a few useful resources in the field of ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, computer work, as well as links to professional bodies. If you are interested in something which doesn’t appear here, do get in touch.

DSE and laptops

We’ve worked with several organisations to develop guidance for their staff on safe use of computers. Some of this guidance is in the public domain:

UNISON – Guidance on the comfortable use of DSE, produced by WorksOut with ErgoInnovation, for UNISON staff and members. Available as a pdf at the bottom of the Computers page, under “Resources” – “Are you sitting comfortably? A guide to using Display Screen Equipment safely”.

BT – Guidance on the safe use of laptops and other mobile devices, produced by WorksOut for BT are available to download here:

Get fit for mobile working – top tips
Get fit for mobile working – full guidance

Some useful advice from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy on exercised you can do at your desk to help prevent discomfort.

For those with back pain or other discomfort

The NHS inform website has some useful information on how to manage muscle, bone and joint problems, including exercises for back pain.

The HSE has guidance for employers who may have staff with back pain.

Case study – complex DSE workstation assessment

WorksOut contributed a DSE-related case study to the CIEHF publication ‘The Human Connection: How ergonomics & human factors can improve lives, business and society’. A free copy of this useful resource, demonstrating the benefit of ergonomics, is available here. A second volume in the series has since been published, also available here.

Health and safety made simple

If you feel out of your depth with the health and safety requirements for your business, the HSE’s website, Health and safety made simple is a great place to start.

Mobile working

The CIEHF have published guidance on managing the musculoskeletal risks of mobile working (i.e. working with laptops, tablets and phones away from traditional offices). Written both for employers and employees, you can download a free copy of the Mobile Working Risk Management System here.

Occupational health and vocational rehabilitation

Evaluation of OHSxtra – a pilot occupational health case management programme delivered within 2 Scottish NHS Boards (2007)
Evaluation of OHSxtra

Evaluation of the national roll-out of the OHSxtra programme within the NHS in Scotland (main report + appendices) (2007-2009)

OHSxtra evaluation (2007-09) – Final Report

OHSxtra evaluation (2007-09) – Appendices

Evaluation of the Working Health Services project, a vocational rehabilitation programme provided for employees of SMEs in Scotland (2010 – 2014). This evaluation was conducted for the Scottish Government who part-funded the programme along with the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.

Professional bodies

WorksOut is a registered consultancy with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF). Margaret Hanson is a Chartered Fellow of the CIEHF. WorksOut delivers a CIEHF accredited one day course – “DSE workstation assessors’ training“.

Margaret Hanson is a Chartered Member of The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Margaret Hanson is an associate member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics ACPOHE.