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A key requirement of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 is to provide training and information to help your team work safely at their desk. Many companies invest in high quality training videos and materials, but 70% of desk workers still don’t know basic principles like how to adjust their monitor to avoid neck strain.
Why is DSE training important?
65% of desk workers are currently suffering from musculoskeletal (MSK) issues like back pain and neck strain. Workplace MSK issues are a significant physical, emotional and financial drain for employees and employers. 2.6% of a workforce require time off work for issues like back pain each year and their sick pay costs more than the average employee salary.
The majority of desk-related MSK issues are caused by poor posture and incorrect positioning of DSE equipment in a workplace. Often simple things like having your chair too high or your monitor too low. In most cases, these issues are entirely preventable with proper training on workplace ergonomics and safety.
Did you know? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the equivalent of the DSE regulations in the US. OSHA provides training recommendations for video display terminal (VDT) safety to reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries like back pain, eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The challenges with traditional DSE training methods
Videos, PowerPoint presentations and PDF booklets are all popular traditional choices for DSE training. High quality videos allow you to cover a range of topics and bring key health and safety messages to life. However, there are certain challenges with these traditional DSE training methods:
- Low engagement, even with the highest quality videos – it’s easy to play a video and continue working in the background, especially when you have a busy schedule. Many employees report a lack of engagement with traditional training videos, which can result in information getting lost and ultimately non-compliance with the regulations.
- Passive learning – there is usually no interaction involved in traditional training videos and presentations, which makes it more difficult for employees to retain the information.
- One-size-fits-all approach – all employees typically watch the same videos or presentations regardless of their individual workplace requirements.
What is interactive training?
Interactive training is a type of training that requires active participation and engagement from the people taking part. By encouraging you to engage with the training material and apply it in practical scenarios, interactive training improves your retention of knowledge and skills compared to traditional passive methods.
There are many studies proving that interactive training materials produce better results, with higher engagement, compared to traditional methods. Students using multimedia learning modules performed an average of 13.5% higher on the same tests than those using text-based presentations. Interactive e-learning media yields higher results than traditional e-books.
In today’s hybrid working world, it’s more important than ever for employees to understand how a poorly designed workstation can affect their health. Interactive training methods can help you achieve DSE compliance and empower your team to work safely.
Some examples of interactive learning in practice
The following interactive learning platforms have become tremendously popular in recent years:
- Duolingo is taking the world by storm by providing an accessible, personalised, fun language learning platform offering bite-sized interactive lessons in the app.
- Coursera has achieved success by offering high-quality online courses from top universities and industry leaders, with a big focus on interactive quizzes, peer-reviewed assessments and a flexible interactive learning experience to help you learn quickly.
- Skillshare provides an accessible platform to learn new creative skills from a diverse range of professionals, with a focus on project-based learning, interactive peer feedback and community engagement.
The benefits of an interactive DSE training platform
Interactive DSE training platforms provide an excellent alternative to traditional methods:
- Personalised recommendations – Every employee has different DSE training requirements depending on their role, working environment, routine and habits. Most interactive training tools takes all these factors into account and generate tailored recommendations to reduce any risks in your workspace, including only the most relevant information.
- Interactive AI-based experience – The most advanced interactive DSE training tools incorporate elements of AI and gamification to keep users engaged and enhance their learning. For example, Vitrue VIDA’s DSE training includes an AI webcam assessment and interactive desk planner game. These features provide a cool and engaging alternative to traditional passive training methods, allowing users to simulate their actual workplace and apply their learning in real-time.
- Unlimited DSE assessments and training – With hybrid working here to stay, it’s important for all your team’s workspace to meet the DSE regulations. Online interactive DSE training platforms allow you to access unlimited assessments whenever you need them. Training becomes an on-demand, ongoing process, rather than something you have to do once a year like the more traditional DSE training.
- Fully CPD certified – Many interactive DSE training platforms like VIDA are fully CPD certified, so you can rest assured the training will be of the highest quality!
- Interactive educational materials – Personalised pain management programmes, posture assessments and quizzes make DSE training even more engaging!
At Vitrue Health, we're on a mission to eliminate musculoskeletal issues like back pain in the workplace with AI technology. For more information on how VIDA can help you streamline DSE compliance at your company, get in touch with us at sales@vitruehealth.com or book a demo today.
