Learn more about the different types of DSE assessment available, to help you choose.
What is a DSE assessment?
A Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment helps you work comfortably and healthily at your workstation.
We assess how suitable your chair, desk and other equipment are, guide you on posture and positioning, recommend how to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, and, if required, recommend products best for you personally.
DSE assessments are critical for preventing health problems associated with the long-term use of desk and computer equipment. These can include back, shoulder and neck pain, eye issues, headaches and fatigue. Let’s improve productivity and reduce sickness leave.
Remember: our assessors can deal with most cases, no matter how complex. Just ask! Meet two of our DSE Assessors here.
All these DSE workstation assessments include:
Musculoskeletal
A focus on the musculoskeletal issues reported - tell us if you have back pain, neck pain or another issue
Workstation
Review of your workstation setup
Positioning
Help to improve equipment positioning
Chair functions
Helpful hints on chair and DSE equipment functions, if necessary
Habits
Working habits advice
Face-to-Face
Virtual
Specialist
DSE assessments
Face-to-Face DSE Workstation Assessment
One of our expert DSE assessors will visit your workplace to check your workstation. We’ll discuss your role, equipment and any musculoskeletal issues such as back or neck pain. We’ll recommend positioning improvements you can make there and then for optimal ergonomics.
You will then receive a report and photographs of your workstation, anatomical measurements, description of the issues experienced and any recommendations for additional equipment or changes that may help to solve a problem.
Virtual DSE Workstation Assessment
Perfect for homeworkers, this DSE assessment is delivered via video.
Receive helpful posture and set-up advice from this video appointment. You can raise musculoskeletal issues such as back or neck pain. We’ll use a combination of measurements, photographs and a video chat (e.g. Microsoft Teams). Our experienced DSE assessors will then draw up a report that highlights risk areas and suggests improvements to help you feel as comfortable and productive as possible.
Specialist Computer Workstation Assessment
This is our highest standard of problem-solving assessment. The assessment will be undertaken by either a medical professional with in-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal issues and training, or a qualified ergonomist with specialist knowledge in workstation issues. Best for more severe cases requiring more detail and addressing any stated workstation questions.
The resulting report will describe the workstation and identify any changes that could be made to assist you at your workstation. Measurements can be taken alongside photographs to accompany the report. Please note this is not a medical assessment.
FAQ Show all answers
-
Why do we need DSE assessments?
Display screen equipment (DSE) assessments are critical for preventing health problems associated with the long-term use of desk and computer equipment, which can include:
- upper limb disorders
- lower limb disorders
- back, shoulder and neck pain
- eye issues
- headaches
- fatigue
All of these issues are not only potentially uncomfortable and disruptive, they also cost businesses and the UK economy billions each year in lost productivity and sickness leave.
DSE assessments present a fast, low-cost opportunity to nip potential problems in the bud before they have a chance to impact company performance.
-
Are DSE assessments required by law?
Employers are legally required to protect workers from the risks of using DSE. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply to workers who use DSE (such as computers) every day for an hour or more at a time.
For example, the law would apply to workers who are:
- at a fixed workstation
- remote workers
- home workers
- hot-deskers
Employers are legally required to:
- provide workers with DSE assessments
- take action to reduce risks
- provide an eye test when asked
- provide training and information for workers
-
Will the assessor try to sell products?
Posturite DSE assessments are not sales pitches. Our assessors are extremely professional and will offer impartial advice on set-up and equipment throughout their time with the DSE user. For the higher-level assessments, it will be an ergonomist or medical professional dealing with you. Our most popular assessment, the DSE Workstation Assessment, results in a report that will include recommendations for specific equipment but there is never an obligation to buy. The DSE assessments work as a standalone service.
Our main goal is to increase the comfort of individuals and the compliance and productivity of organisations. If products or services are wanted then we can help with selection, installation and correct set-up.
-
How do I know if I need a DSE assessment?
You (or your line manager, on your behalf) can book a DSE assessment if you:
- frequently use display screen equipment
- experience pain or discomfort at your workstation
- want to prevent pain and discomfort
-
How do I book an assessment?
- go to our DSE assessment page
- select the assessment you want to book
- fill out the booking form
- make the payment
- receive email to confirm a date and time that suits you
We’ll send you email reminders the day before your assessment and confirm when we’ve arrived so we don’t disrupt your working day too much.
-
How long will I have to wait after booking?
We’ll send you an email straight after you book to confirm your appointment date. This will be no longer than 5 to 10 days ahead.
-
How long will the DSE assessment last?
Between 20 and 45 minutes long.
-
Who conducts the assessment?
For the Virtual and Face-to-Face DSE assessments, you’ll be assessed by a experienced and highly trained Posturite DSE assessor, often with degree-level knowledge of physiology and biomechanics.
For Specialist Computer Workstation assessments, which are for more specialist situations, you’ll be visited by an ergonomist or health professional (who will also be highly experienced in DSE assessing).
