Why Screen-Based Work Deserves a Closer Look
Most people spend several hours in front of screens at work. Whether you’re in an office or working from home, sitting at a desk with a poor screen set-up can quietly do damage. Back pain, sore eyes, stiff shoulders. Sound familiar?
That’s where DSE assessments come in. In this article, we’ll answer the question: what is a DSE assessment, explain when it’s needed and how it helps protect your team from unnecessary discomfort. We’ll also cover common signs someone may need a DSE assessment, plus simple changes that can make work more comfortable.
DSE Assessments Explained
DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment. A DSE assessment is a review of someone’s workstation setup: monitor, desk, chair, keyboard and anything else they use while working with a screen. The goal is to make sure the setup supports good posture, reduces strain and comply with workplace health and safety law.
Under the UK’s Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992, employers must carry out a DSE risk assessment for any employee classed as a DSE user. That includes hybrid and remote working staff. Employees who use display screen equipment for an hour or more each day should complete a DSE self-assessment or receive a full workstation risk assessment carried out by a trained assessor.
These assessments identify health risks like eye strain, musculoskeletal disorders and poor posture linked to prolonged DSE use. By completing a DSE assessment and adjusting the workstation accordingly, employers can reduce the risk of injury and support a healthier work environment.
Employer Responsibilities
Under the display screen equipment regulations, employers have a duty to:
- Carry out assessments for DSE users
- Take action to address any issues identified
- Provide training and information on safe DSE use
- Reassess when workstations or job roles change
These assessments are a legal requirement under UK safety regulations. However, many employers remain unaware of their full responsibilities or fall short of compliance, particularly when it comes to hybrid or remote workers.
Signs a DSE Assessment Might Be Needed
Sometimes the signs are subtle. Other times, they’re obvious. Here are a few things that often indicate it’s time to review someone’s workstation setup:
- Recurring complaints of neck or back pain
- Headaches or sore eyes by mid-afternoon
- Makeshift home office setups (e.g. laptops on dining tables)
- Lower productivity or ongoing discomfort
- Team members purchasing their own ergonomic equipment
These are all indicators that a proper DSE workstation assessment may be overdue. A trained DSE assessor can identify risks and provide tailored advice to improve the setup.
What a Good Setup Looks Like: A Quick Checklist
Not sure if someone’s workstation is right? Here’s a simple list of what to look for:
- The monitor is at eye level and roughly an arm’s length away
- The chair offers proper lumbar support and feet are flat on the floor
- Arms and wrists stay relaxed with elbows at a 90-degree angle
- Screen brightness is adjusted to match ambient lighting and reduce glare
- Short breaks are taken every 30 to 60 minutes
These adjustments help reduce strain, support better posture and create a safer work environment.
Templates vs. Tailored Advice
It’s tempting to use a generic DSE assessment template and call it a day. But not all employees are the same. Not all desks are the same. And not all discomfort is visible.
That’s why working with professional health and safety consultants makes a difference. A good consultant looks beyond the checklist. They consider how someone actually works then offer practical suggestions that improve everyday comfort and reduce the risk of injury.
At Safety at Work Solutions, our health and safety consultancy services focus on practicality. We deliver solutions that are cost-effective, compliant with safety regulations and easy to implement across all environments.
Make Work More Comfortable and Compliant
A proper DSE assessment is one of the simplest ways to improve employee well-being and reduce workplace health risks. Whether your team is office-based, remote, or a combination of both, getting the setup right makes a noticeable difference.
At Safety at Work Solutions, we offer tailored advice based on real-world workplace experience. Going beyond the basics, each assessment is designed to deliver real value. Our DSE assessment services help people work more comfortably while meeting legal obligations and protecting your team.
Book Your DSE Assessment Today
More Than Screens: Other Ways to Improve Workplace Safety
While DSE assessments are a great starting point, many workplaces benefit from a more complete approach to workplace health and safety. At Safety at Work Solutions, we offer a wide range of services that go beyond the screen:
- First Aid Training – From Emergency First Aid to Outdoor First Aid we deliver regulated training that prepares your team to act when it matters most.
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – Our regulated MHFA courses help create a supportive, informed workplace culture.
- Fire Risk Assessments – We assess your premises to ensure compliance and provide practical safety advice aligned with legal requirements.
- Manual Handling Training – Reduce the risk of workplace injury with awareness training that promotes safe lifting and movement techniques.
- Safeguarding Training – Equip your team to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns, and help protect vulnerable individuals.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your compliance or simply create a safer, more responsive workplace, our health and safety consultants can help you choose the right mix of training and support.