Professional DSE Assessments for Employers
Support employee comfort, reduce workstation-related risks and help meet your responsibilities under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations with professional DSE assessments from Insight Workplace Health.
We provide online and face-to-face DSE assessments for office-based, home and hybrid workers across the UK. Our experienced ergonomics team identifies practical improvements to the employee's workstation, equipment and working habits, with clear recommendations for employers.
SEQOHS Accredited
Quality-assured occupational health services
UK-Wide Support
Online and workplace DSE assessments
Experienced Assessors
Occupational health and ergonomics expertise
Practical Recommendations
Clear, proportionate advice for employers
What is a DSE assessment?
A DSE assessment is an assessment of an employee's workstation, equipment and working practices when they regularly use display screen equipment such as computers, laptops and monitors. It is sometimes also referred to as a workstation assessment or ergonomic assessment.
The assessment considers the employee's complete working setup, including their chair, desk, screen, keyboard, mouse, working environment and daily tasks. It also looks at how the individual uses the workstation and whether their setup may be contributing to pain, discomfort, fatigue or difficulty working effectively.
A DSE assessment is not simply a checklist. It should identify risks, provide appropriate guidance and result in practical steps that help the employee use their workstation more safely and comfortably.
At Insight Workplace Health, our assessments are tailored to the individual. We take account of their role, working environment, existing symptoms and any additional requirements before providing clear, proportionate recommendations.
When Might a DSE Assessment Be Appropriate?
A DSE assessment may be appropriate where an employee:
regularly uses a desktop computer, laptop or multiple screens
reports neck, shoulder, back, wrist or arm discomfort
has recently moved to a new workstation
requires additional support because of a disability, health condition or individual need
works from home or follows a hybrid working arrangement
experiences headaches, fatigue or temporary eyestrain
has experienced a change in duties
has been recommended for an assessment following an occupational health referral
Need Help Managing DSE Assessments?
Whether you need an individual workstation assessment or support across several locations, we can recommend an appropriate approach for your organisation.
Our team can provide online assessments, workplace visits and tailored support for employees with more complex requirements.
What Does a DSE Assessment Include?
A DSE assessment looks at how an employee interacts with their workstation and identifies factors that could contribute to discomfort, pain or musculoskeletal problems.
Our assessors consider the individual, their working environment, the equipment they use and the tasks they carry out. This allows recommendations to be based on the employee’s actual needs rather than simply applying a standard workstation setup.
A DSE assessment may include:
Workstation and equipment
Reviewing the desk, chair, screen, keyboard, mouse and other equipment to identify whether they are suitable and positioned appropriately.
Symptoms and individual needs
Discussing any discomfort, pain or difficulties the employee is experiencing and considering how these may relate to their work.
Work environment
Considering relevant environmental factors such as available space, lighting, workstation layout and how the surrounding workspace may affect comfort and working posture.
Posture and working position
Looking at how the employee sits or works, including their screen position, reach distances and the way they use their equipment.
Working practices
Reviewing factors such as breaks, changes in activity, prolonged sitting and the way different tasks are carried out throughout the working day.
Practical recommendations
Providing proportionate recommendations which may include changes to workstation setup, working practices, equipment or further specialist support where appropriate.
Need support with a more complex DSE issue?
Our experienced ergonomics team can assess individual employees and provide practical recommendations to help employers manage workstation risks.
Professional DSE Assessments for Your Employees
Our DSE assessments go beyond a standard workstation checklist. We look at the individual employee, their work, their environment and any difficulties they are experiencing to understand what may be contributing to the problem.
Assessments can support employees working in the office, from home or as part of a hybrid working arrangement, with recommendations tailored to their individual circumstances.
What happens after the assessment?
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a clear written report setting out the assessor’s findings and any recommended actions.
Recommendations are practical and proportionate. They may include simple changes to workstation setup or working practices, advice on suitable ergonomic equipment, or further specialist support where this would be beneficial.
This gives both the employer and employee a clear understanding of the next steps, rather than simply identifying that a DSE issue exists.
From Assessment to Equipment
Where equipment is recommended, Insight Ergonomics can also help source suitable ergonomic equipment, giving employers access to assessment and equipment support through one experienced team.
This means recommendations can be based on the employee’s assessed needs rather than choosing equipment without first understanding the underlying issue.
What Are an Employer’s Responsibilities for DSE?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers must protect workers from the health risks associated with display screen equipment where they use DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more.
This includes assessing workstations, reducing identified risks, planning work so employees have breaks or changes of activity, providing eye tests when requested and giving employees appropriate information and training.
A DSE assessment can help employers identify risks that may not be resolved through a standard self-assessment, particularly where an employee is experiencing discomfort, has individual requirements or needs more specialist support.
A DSE assessment is not simply about choosing a better chair.
It considers the employee, their workstation, equipment, working practices and individual needs so that recommendations address the factors actually contributing to the issue.
Why Choose Insight Workplace Health for DSE Assessments?
More than just a workstation assessment. Practical support for a healthier, more productive work.
Occupational Health & Ergonomics Expertise
Our DSE assessments draw on expertise across occupational health and ergonomics, helping us consider the employee's wider needs rather than looking at the workstation in isolation.
From Assessment to Practical Support
We don't stop at identifying an issue. Where appropriate, we can support employers with practical recommendations, ergonomic equipment and further specialist assessment.
Support for Individual Employees and Workforces
Whether you need help with one complex employee case or DSE assessment support across your organisation, we can recommend an approach suited to your requirements.
DSE Assessment FAQs
Need DSE Assessment Support?
Whether you need an assessment for one employee or support across your workforce, tell us a little about what you need and our team can recommend the most appropriate approach.
Related DSE & Ergonomic Support
Our ergonomics team can provide further assessment and equipment support where an employee's needs extend beyond a DSE assessment.