Ergonomic Assessments - Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
What is a DSE Assessment?
And how can it help your back pain at work?
If you’ve ever found yourself adjusting your seat, squinting at your screen, or wondering why your neck and back ache by 3pm—your workstation might be the culprit.
A DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment helps ensure your desk, chair, and screen setup are working with your body—not against it. It’s a UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirement for anyone working at a computer for an hour or more per day, whether in the office or at home.
Why does a DSE assessment matter?
Trying to assess your own workstation can feel like getting dressed for a wedding—with no mirror and no lights. You can’t see the full picture. A trained DSE assessor provides expert, objective feedback on your setup—so you can work in comfort, avoid injury, and get the best out of your space.
Since the UK DSE regulations began in 1992, office life has changed dramatically. Many people now split time between home and shared workspaces. That’s why a flexible, expert-led approach to DSE is more important than ever.
How do I do this?
There are generally three types of DSE assessments in the UK workplace or for a work from home / sole trader option:
- (LEVEL 1) (SELF ASSESSMENT) Tick box / PDF / Video / flowchart - a self assessment which asks questions to see if you're meeting the criteria. Often this is fine for new starters in a position or someone with literally no complaints of pain or discomfort from using their workstation. That's not to say all is perfect with the workstation but it's a adequate minimum requirement and this can flag up issues in the first instance, if there are any.
- (LEVEL 2) A qualified assessment by a trained DSE assessor. In a lot of medium to large companies there should be someone trained to this level. This is like the first aider on the floor or department. They are not necessarily medical or specialists in the field but they are competent to look at a colleagues workstation and objectively look over the checkpoints better than a self assessment as they can look through another pair of eyes. There would be a document produced at the end of it proving completion and then any issues raised and a likely action plan.
- (Level 3) Lastly this would be carried out by what's known as a qualified expert, such as ergonomist or physiotherapist/Chiropractor etc with additional DSE training such as a CIEHF accredited member. This would be a more detailed and thorough assessment with often a more holistic approach. The is likely going to be involved with someone with existing chronic pain or issues with sitting at a standard workstation or ongoing investigation or treatment for a condition or illness. Sometimes this can be linked to an 'Access to Work' ATW assessment where government grants can help with the cost of equipment. A level 3 assessment would certainly have a follow up assessment to check all concerns had been met and the workstation is now deemed as safe and suitable as possible. A follow up review is also scheduled to ensure the remains the case in the future.
Self-Help: Quick Wins You Can Try Right Now
Even without a full assessment, you can start making small changes today:
1. Start With Your Chair
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Raise or lower your chair so your elbows rest gently at desk height (around 90°)
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If your feet lift off the floor, use a footrest—this is normal and helps keep everything aligned
2. Adjust Your Screen
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The top of your screen should be at eye level -
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You should be able to sit back comfortably and look straight ahead—not down or up. Your arms should be able to reach out straight in-front of you to just about touch the screen with the tips of your fingers.
These two steps alone can significantly improve posture, comfort, and focus.
Still Uncomfortable?
If these changes haven’t helped—or you’re unsure where to begin—it’s time to speak with your workplace DSE team or book a qualified ergonomic assessment with one of our experts.
