Beyond compliance, what is the purpose of a DSE assessment? A DSE assessment is for identifying and reducing the risks associated with screen-based work before they develop into longer-term health issues.
With the Health and Safety Executive reporting 7.8 million working days were lost in 2023/2024 due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the consequences of poor workstation set-up are significant.
In this article, we explain what a DSE assessment involves, why it matters for employers, and how it can help reduce absence while strengthening wellbeing and performance across your organisation.
Health impacts of using DSE
There are a number of health risks associated with using Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including eye strain, neck and back pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
Eye strain can be caused by staring at a screen for long periods of time, and may lead to headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes.
Neck and back pain can be caused by sitting in an incorrect position while using DSE, and repetitive strain injuries can be caused by repetitive motions such as typing or clicking a mouse.
Most of these risks can be mitigated by taking breaks from DSE use, using ergonomic furniture and accessories, and practicing proper body mechanics.
Understanding DSE and the law
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to any electronic device with a display screen, including computer monitors, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 mandate that employers protect workers from the health risks associated with these devices. If an employee uses DSE for a significant part of their day (one hour or more continuously), the employer must:
- Assess the risks associated with the workstation.
- Take steps to minimise those risks.
- Provide training and information on safe usage.
For more information, please read our guide, What are the Display Screen Equipment Regulations (1992)?
What are DSE users entitled to under the regulations?
Display screen equipment (DSE) users are entitled to:
- A workstation assessment to ensure that their workstation is set up correctly and ergonomically.
- Regular breaks from using the DSE, to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
- Training on how to use the DSE correctly and safely.
- Employers must arrange an eye test for DSE users if they ask for one, and provide glasses if an employee needs them only for DSE use. In order to qualify for a DSE eye test, you need to work for a minimum of one hour per day in front of a screen.
- Information on the risks associated with using a DSE and how to minimise those risks.
- A comfortable and safe working environment.
Are remote or home workers required to have a DSE assessment?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply regardless of where the work is performed. If an employee is working from home (whether permanently or as part of a hybrid model) the employer is still responsible for their health and safety.
What is the difference between a DSE assessment and a general workplace risk assessment?
A DSE risk assessment and a general work assessment are legal requirements focussed on different areas of health and safety:
- General workplace risk assessment: Identifies all broad hazards in the workplace, such as trip hazards, fire safety, or chemical exposure.
- DSE assessment: A highly specialised evaluation focusing specifically on the ergonomic interaction between the human body and the display equipment. It looks at repetitive movements, screen focal lengths, and spinal support to prevent long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
What is the purpose of a DSE assessment?
The purpose of a DSE assessment is to identify and minimise physical risks before they develop into long-term health problems.
A formal DSE assessment is designed to:
Analyse the full workstation set-up
This involves reviewing the complete workstation (including the screen, keyboard, mouse, chair and desk) as well as the working environment.
Factors such as lighting, glare, reflections, temperature and space must all be considered. The HSE sets out minimum workstation requirements for employers to use as the benchmark for compliance.
Identify individual needs
A standardised approach is rarely effective. Employees differ in stature, physical health, existing conditions and the way they carry out their work.
A DSE assessment enables employers to identify where tailored adjustments are needed (including reasonable adjustments for pregnant workers and those with pre-existing musculoskeletal or visual conditions) ensuring the workstation properly supports the individual rather than expecting the individual to adapt to the workstation.
Ensure regulatory compliance
The assessment confirms that each workstation meets the minimum criteria specified by the HSE under the DSE Regulations. This includes suitable seating, stable and adjustable equipment, adequate space, and appropriate screen positioning.
Proper documentation also demonstrates that the organisation has taken reasonable steps to comply with its legal duties.
Prevent absence and long-term injury
By identifying poor posture, repetitive strain risks and unsuitable workstation layouts early, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of neck pain, back pain and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
This preventative approach helps protect employee wellbeing while reducing the risk of sickness absence linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
What is the purpose of a DSE self-assessment?
In hybrid and agile workplaces, employees may work across multiple locations — at home, in shared offices or on the move. It is not always practical for a health and safety professional to physically review every workstation.
So, what is the purpose of a DSE self-assessment? It provides a structured, practical way for employees to assess their own set-up while giving employers visibility of risks that need further action.
A well-designed self-assessment tool prompts behavioural change and creates a documented record of compliance. It guides users through key risk areas, including:
- Posture: Understanding how to sit with adequate lumbar support, neutral spine alignment and relaxed shoulders to reduce strain on the back and neck.
- Chair and desk adjustment: Setting the correct chair height, backrest angle and seat depth so feet are supported and forearms remain roughly horizontal when typing.
- Screen positioning: Placing monitors at eye level, at an appropriate distance, and free from glare or reflections to reduce eye strain and awkward neck positions.
- Keyboard and mouse layout: Positioning equipment close to the body to avoid overreaching, wrist extension or repetitive strain.
- Work patterns and breaks: Reinforcing the importance of regular movement, posture changes and short “micro-breaks” to prevent prolonged static loading of muscles and joints.
A self-assessment also encourages accountability. Employees become more aware of how small adjustments (such as raising a laptop screen or moving a mouse closer) can significantly reduce discomfort.
For employers, DSE self-assessments create an auditable trail, highlight trends across teams, and help prioritise follow-up interventions where higher risks are identified.
What do online DSE assessments cover?
A DSE assessment examines the employee’s full workstation and working environment to ensure it supports safe, comfortable and sustainable screen-based work.
A thorough assessment considers:
- Workstation space: Sufficient room for equipment, documents and natural movement, with adequate legroom under the desk and no obstructions restricting posture changes.
- Screen positioning and display settings: Correct height and distance, adjustable tilt and swivel, appropriate brightness and contrast, and minimal glare or reflections.
- Keyboard and mouse placement: Positioned close to the body to prevent overreaching, wrist strain and repetitive stress.
- Chair suitability: A stable chair (typically five-star base) with adjustable height and backrest to support the lower back and promote neutral posture.
- The wider environment: Suitable lighting, temperature and ventilation, and minimal noise distraction.
- Work patterns: Reinforcement of regular breaks, posture changes and screen breaks, including longer rest periods such as lunch breaks.
DSE training complements the assessment by helping employees understand how to make adjustments correctly and recognise early warning signs of strain.
How often should a DSE assessment be carried out?
There is no “expiry date” on a DSE assessment, but the HSE recommends they be reviewed whenever there is a significant change to the workstation. This includes:
- Moving to a new office or desk.
- A change in the equipment being used (e.g., switching from a desktop to a laptop).
- A change in the user’s health (e.g., developing back pain or returning from an injury).
- A change in the nature of the tasks being performed.
Many organisations choose to conduct a DSE self-assessment annually to catch any habit-based issues before they cause physical strain.
Take a proactive approach to DSE compliance and wellbeing
Praxis42 provides practical, scalable solutions to help you manage DSE risks effectively.
Our online DSE self-assessment tool enables employees to review their own workstation quickly and consistently. For individuals who require more personalised support, our Virtual Ergonomic Assessment service provides tailored advice from experienced ergonomic specialists. To discuss how our DSE assessments can support your employees, please talk to our friendly team today on 0203 011
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
