Who Needs a DSE Assessment?
Employers often ask who should receive a DSE assessment. While many people associate DSE assessments with employees experiencing pain or discomfort, they are equally important for preventing problems before they develop.
In practice, any employee classed as a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) user should have their workstation assessed to ensure it is suitable for the work they carry out and any adjustments they may require.
What Employers Need to Know
Not every employee requires a formal DSE assessment, but anyone who uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal working day is likely to be considered a DSE user.
This may include employees who:
- Work at a desktop computer for much of the day.
- Regularly use a laptop for prolonged periods.
- Work from home full-time or part-time.
- Split their time between home and the office.
- Hot-desk or regularly change workstations.
- Use multiple screens or specialist equipment.
- Have reported discomfort or difficulties when using their workstation.
DSE assessments are also commonly carried out for new starters, following office moves, when workstations change, or where an employee's health or working requirements have changed.
What the HSE Says
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that the Display Screen Equipment Regulations apply to workers who use display screen equipment daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more as part of their normal work.
The HSE also advises employers to carry out a workstation assessment:
- When a new user starts work.
- When a new workstation is set up.
- When changes are made to an existing workstation or the way it is used.
- When a user reports pain or discomfort that may be related to DSE work.
The regulations apply regardless of where employees work, including office, home and hybrid working environments.
What This Means in Practice
Many organisations no longer wait until an employee develops discomfort before arranging a DSE assessment. Instead, assessments are increasingly used as a proactive way of ensuring employees have suitable workstations from the outset.
For example, new starters can be assessed as part of their induction, home workers before they begin working remotely, and employees moving offices or changing roles whenever their workstation or equipment changes.
DSE assessments are also particularly valuable where an employee has additional ergonomic requirements. This may include pregnancy, musculoskeletal conditions, disabilities, long-term health conditions or neurodiversity, where relatively small adjustments to the workstation or equipment can often make a significant difference to comfort and productivity.
For organisations without in-house DSE expertise, an experienced assessor can also provide independent advice, helping identify practical workstation adjustments, appropriate ergonomic equipment and whether any further support may be beneficial.
Common Situations Where a DSE Assessment Should Be Considered
A DSE assessment is commonly arranged when:
- A new employee joins the organisation.
- An employee starts working from home.
- Hybrid working arrangements are introduced.
- A workstation or office location changes.
- New equipment is provided.
- An employee reports pain, discomfort or fatigue.
- An employee returns to work following injury or illness.
- An employee is pregnant.
- Additional workplace adjustments may be required.
Related Guidance
You may also find these guides useful:
- When Should a DSE Assessment Be Carried Out?
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations Explained
- Home Working DSE Assessments