What Is a DSE Assessment? A Complete Guide for UK Employers

Understanding your legal obligations under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations, how to conduct effective workstation assessments, and protecting your employees from musculoskeletal disorders

Published by Arinite Health & Safety Consultants | February 2026 | 11 min read

In modern workplaces, most employees spend a significant portion of their working day using display screen equipment. Whether working at a traditional office desk, from home, or in a hybrid arrangement, the hours spent in front of computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones can take a toll on physical health. Back pain, neck strain, shoulder discomfort, eye fatigue and repetitive strain injuries are increasingly common, affecting both employee wellbeing and organisational productivity.

Research conducted during the shift to home working showed dramatic increases in musculoskeletal complaints: a 58% increase in neck pain, 56% increase in shoulder pain, and 55% increase in back pain among home workers compared to before. These statistics highlight the importance of proper workstation setup and the need for effective DSE assessments.

For UK employers, DSE assessments are not optional. They are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. This guide explains what DSE assessments are, why they matter, what your legal obligations are, and how to conduct effective assessments that protect your employees and your organisation.

What Is Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?

Display screen equipment refers to any device with an alphanumeric or graphic display screen. While the term originally referred primarily to computer monitors, the definition has expanded to include the full range of modern devices that employees use in their work.

DSE includes:

• Desktop computers and monitors
• Laptop and notebook computers
• Tablets and iPads
• Smartphones used for work purposes
• Touchscreen devices and terminals
• CCTV monitoring screens
• Process control screens

Who Is a DSE User?

Under the regulations, anyone who uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work is considered a DSE user. The HSE guidance indicates that this typically means using DSE for continuous periods of an hour or more on a daily basis. This covers most office-based workers, as well as those in roles such as graphic designers, call centre operators, traders, data entry clerks, CCTV operators and many others.

Importantly, the regulations apply equally to employees working from home or in hybrid arrangements. The employer's duty of care extends to home workers, and DSE assessments must be conducted for remote workstations just as they would be for office-based setups.

What Is a DSE Assessment?

A DSE assessment, also known as a workstation assessment, VDU assessment or ergonomic assessment, is a systematic evaluation of an individual's workstation and working practices. The purpose is to identify any risks to health and comfort, and to determine what measures are needed to reduce those risks.

The primary objective is to ensure that each person's workstation is optimally set up for their tasks, reducing the risk of pain, injury and fatigue. A well-conducted DSE assessment looks at the whole workstation environment, not just the screen itself.

What Does a DSE Assessment Cover?

A comprehensive DSE assessment evaluates:

The display screen: Position, height, angle, distance from the user, brightness, contrast, clarity and freedom from glare or reflections.

The keyboard and mouse: Position, height, angle, type, and whether they allow the user to work with wrists in a neutral position.

The chair: Adjustability, seat height, seat depth, backrest support, armrests, and whether the user knows how to adjust it correctly.

The desk or work surface: Size, height, leg room, space for equipment and documents, and whether height-adjustable options are available or needed.

The working environment: Lighting, glare, temperature, humidity, noise levels and ventilation.

Working practices: Posture, work patterns, breaks, task variety and any existing discomfort or symptoms.

Additional equipment: Document holders, footrests, laptop stands, monitor arms, wrist rests and other ergonomic accessories.

Legal Requirements for DSE Assessments in the UK

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, set out the legal requirements for protecting DSE users. These regulations apply to all employers whose workers use DSE as a significant part of their normal work.

Employer Obligations

Under the DSE Regulations, employers must:

• Conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of each DSE workstation to identify risks and determine appropriate control measures
• Reduce the risks identified to the lowest extent reasonably practicable
• Ensure workstations meet the minimum requirements set out in the Schedule to the Regulations
• Plan work activities so that DSE users have regular breaks or changes of activity
• Provide eye tests on request, and provide corrective spectacles if they are needed specifically for DSE work
• Provide information and training to DSE users about the risks and precautions

When to Conduct Assessments

DSE assessments should be conducted:

• When a new employee joins the organisation
• When an employee moves to a new workstation or work location
• When significant changes are made to existing workstations or equipment
• When an employee reports discomfort, pain or symptoms that may be related to DSE use
• Following an extended period of absence, such as maternity leave or long-term sickness
• When an employee's health condition changes in a way that may affect their DSE use
• At regular intervals to ensure the assessment remains current, typically annually

Home Workers and Hybrid Working

The DSE Regulations apply equally to employees working from home. Working from home does not exempt employers from their duty of care. In fact, home working can present additional challenges because employees may be working from dining tables, sofas or other unsuitable setups. Employers must assess home workstations and take reasonable steps to ensure they meet the required standards, whether by providing equipment, offering guidance, or both.

Eye Tests and Spectacles

Employers must provide eye tests for DSE users on request. If the test shows that the employee needs glasses specifically for DSE work, the employer must pay for a basic pair of spectacles. This does not apply to glasses needed for general use, only to those prescribed specifically for the distance at which DSE work is carried out. The 20-20-20 rule is often recommended: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

Health Risks Associated with DSE Use

Prolonged or improper use of display screen equipment can lead to a range of health problems. Understanding these risks helps explain why DSE assessments are so important.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

The most common health problems associated with DSE use are musculoskeletal disorders affecting the back, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. These include back pain from poor posture or inadequate seating, neck and shoulder pain from poorly positioned screens or documents, upper limb disorders (sometimes called repetitive strain injury or RSI) from repetitive keyboard and mouse use, and carpal tunnel syndrome from sustained awkward wrist positions. These conditions can cause significant pain and disability, leading to reduced productivity, increased sickness absence and potential long-term health problems.

Visual Fatigue

Eye strain and visual fatigue are common among DSE users, particularly those who work for long periods without breaks. Symptoms include tired, sore or dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision and difficulty focusing. While these effects are usually temporary and do not cause permanent damage, they can be uncomfortable and affect work performance. Proper screen positioning, adequate lighting, regular breaks and appropriate corrective eyewear can help prevent visual fatigue.

Fatigue and Stress

Prolonged DSE work can contribute to mental fatigue and stress, particularly when combined with poor posture, inadequate breaks, excessive workload or poorly designed software. The sedentary nature of DSE work also has broader health implications, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Encouraging regular breaks and movement helps address both physical and mental fatigue.

How to Conduct a DSE Assessment

DSE assessments can be conducted in several ways, depending on the organisation's needs and resources. The key is that assessments should be systematic, cover all relevant factors, and result in practical actions to reduce risks.

Self-Assessment

Many organisations use self-assessment questionnaires or online tools that guide employees through an evaluation of their own workstation. These tools typically include training on correct workstation setup and ask the user to assess various aspects of their workspace and working practices. Self-assessment is cost-effective and can be rolled out quickly across large numbers of employees. However, the HSE emphasises that self-assessment alone is not sufficient. A trained assessor should review the results and follow up where issues are identified.

Assessor-Led Assessment

In an assessor-led assessment, a trained assessor visits the workstation (in person or virtually) and conducts a systematic evaluation. The assessor observes the employee's posture and working practices, checks the setup of equipment, assesses environmental factors, and discusses any symptoms or concerns with the user. This approach is more thorough than self-assessment and is particularly valuable for employees who are already experiencing discomfort, those with specific health conditions, and complex or non-standard workstations.

Key Steps in the Assessment Process

• Prepare: gather information about the employee's role, any existing health conditions or symptoms, and any previous assessments
• Observe: look at the workstation setup, the employee's posture, and how they interact with their equipment
• Ask: discuss with the employee their working practices, any discomfort they experience, and their understanding of correct setup
• Check: systematically evaluate each element of the workstation against the requirements
• Identify risks: note any issues that could cause harm or discomfort
• Recommend controls: determine what changes or equipment are needed to address the risks
• Record: document the findings, recommendations and any actions required
• Follow up: ensure that recommended actions are implemented and check that they have been effective

International Requirements for DSE and Ergonomics

While the specific requirements vary between countries, the need to protect workers from the risks of DSE use is recognised internationally. Organisations with operations in multiple countries need to understand the requirements in each jurisdiction.

In the European Union, the Display Screen Equipment Directive (90/270/EEC) sets minimum requirements that member states must implement in national legislation. The directive covers workstation assessment, risk reduction, breaks, eye tests and training.

In the United States, OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognised hazards, which includes ergonomic hazards. While there is no specific DSE regulation, OSHA provides voluntary ergonomic guidelines for various industries.

In Australia, Safe Work Australia provides guidance on workstation ergonomics, and individual states and territories implement work health and safety laws that include requirements for safe DSE use.

For multinational organisations, it is good practice to establish corporate standards that meet the highest applicable requirements and apply them consistently across all locations. ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, provides a framework for managing ergonomic risks as part of an overall safety management approach.

Benefits of Effective DSE Assessments

Investing in proper DSE assessments delivers benefits for both employees and the organisation:

• Prevents musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems, protecting employee wellbeing
• Reduces sickness absence and the costs associated with employee ill health
• Improves productivity by ensuring employees can work comfortably and efficiently
• Demonstrates compliance with legal requirements, avoiding potential enforcement action and fines
• Reduces the risk of compensation claims from employees who develop work-related conditions
• Improves employee morale and engagement by showing that their health and comfort matter
• Supports recruitment and retention by providing a healthy working environment

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. It is far more cost-effective to invest in proper workstation setup and assessments than to deal with the consequences of employee ill health, including lost productivity, sickness absence, compensation claims and potential regulatory action.

How Arinite Can Help

At Arinite, we help organisations meet their DSE obligations and protect their employees from the risks of display screen equipment use. Our team of Chartered (CMIOSH) health and safety consultants has extensive experience in ergonomic assessment and workplace health.

Our DSE services include:

• DSE workstation assessments for office-based, home-based and hybrid workers
• Review and improvement of existing DSE assessment programmes
• Development of DSE policies and procedures
• DSE assessor training to build in-house capability
• Specialist ergonomic assessments for employees with specific health conditions or complex needs
• Guidance on equipment selection and workstation design
• Support for international operations, ensuring consistent standards across multiple countries

With experience supporting over 1,500 UK businesses and operations in more than 50 countries, we understand the challenges of managing DSE risks across diverse workforces and working arrangements. Our approach is practical, proportionate and focused on what actually makes a difference. We call it "Keeping It Simple."