DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessments Under the Health and Safety Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty to carry out individual workstation assessments for all Display Screen Equipment (DSE) users. These assessments help address physical and visual health risks, reduce musculoskeletal disorders, and verify that workstations are correctly set up for each user.
At Envirochem, we undertake professional DSE and workplace ergonomic assessments to ensure your workstations are not only compliant but also support employee wellbeing and productivity. Our consultants offer tailored evaluations, practical advice, and follow-up guidance suited to both on-site and remote working environments.
What We Monitor
Each DSE assessment examines the full workspace setup and its interaction with user habits, environment, and workflow. We consider factors such as:
- Workstation ergonomics, including desk and chair height, laptop stand, monitor alignment, and keyboard and mouse placement
- Visual setup, covering screen distance, glare reduction, and lighting conditions
- Work habits, including posture, break frequency, and task variation
- Eye health needs, identifying when an eyesight test may be required
This holistic approach enables us to pinpoint both visible and hidden risk factors in workstation design or usage.
Our Process
We begin by reviewing how your team uses their workstations, the frequency and duration of DSE tasks, and any reports of discomfort or reduced performance. We then carry out on-site workstation adjustments and employee consultations, or remote assessments where practical.
Using a structured evaluation framework based on HSE guidance, we assess equipment, posture, environment, and task design. We advise on adjustments to seating, screen position, keyboard layout, and lighting, and we incorporate best-practice recommendations such as enforcing micro-breaks. If a user reports visual discomfort, we advise on eye testing and work with your optician to ensure compliance.
Our report outlines assessment outcomes, identifies priority adjustments, and includes recommended changes aligned with standards and best practice.
When Is DSE Testing Required?
You should conduct a formal DSE assessment whenever:
- A new user joins or a new workstation is introduced
- Equipment or furniture changes are made
- Users report discomfort, eyestrain, headaches, neck and back pain, or reduced productivity
- Individuals work predominantly from home or hot-desking environments
- Routine reviews are scheduled (every 2 years or earlier, depending on risk level)
These measures help prevent musculoskeletal issues and vision-related fatigue before they escalate into persistent health problems.
The Impact of Poor DSE Setup
Incorrect workstation setup and prolonged screen use can significantly increase the risk of common workplace conditions such as wrist pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), neck and shoulder discomfort, lower back pain, and visual fatigue. These issues are among the most frequently reported causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and eye strain.
When left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, staff turnover, and potential liability for employers. In one reported case, a worker received £37,500 in compensation due to an RSI condition linked to poor DSE setup. A tailored DSE testing programme helps mitigate these risks, supporting intuitive workstation design and encouraging safe work practices.
Why Choose Envirochem?
Our DSE assessments are led by occupational hygienists with specialist in-depth training and experience in workplace ergonomics. We align our approach with HSE guidance whilst bringing a grounded understanding of both office-based and remote working environments. This ensures that all recommendations are not only evidence-based but also practical and relevant to your team’s day-to-day context.
Speak to Our Team
If you're seeing discomfort or productivity losses linked to workstation use, or if you simply want to ensure your team is fully supported, Envirochem’s DSE assessment service can help. Get in touch with our team to schedule one today.
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