DSE Assessments And Office Health: Why Workstation Risk Still Matters

April 2, 2026

Display screen equipment risk can seem like one of the less serious areas of health and safety.

Compared with machinery, fire, hazardous substances, noise or work at height, office workstation issues can appear relatively minor. A chair that is not quite right, a laptop used on a kitchen table, a screen positioned slightly too low or a mouse used awkwardly may not feel urgent.

But that is exactly why DSE risk is often overlooked.

The problem is not usually one dramatic incident. It is the gradual effect of poor posture, unsuitable equipment, long periods of screen use, repeated movements, limited breaks and working arrangements that do not properly support the person using them.

Over time, those issues can contribute to discomfort, fatigue, eye strain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist problems, back pain and wider musculoskeletal issues.

A DSE assessment is not about making every workstation perfect or forcing businesses to buy expensive equipment unnecessarily. It is about making sure people can work comfortably, safely and sustainably.

What Does DSE Mean?

DSE stands for display screen equipment.

It usually refers to devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, display screens and other equipment used as part of a workstation.

The risk is not the screen alone. The workstation as a whole matters.

That may include:

• screen or monitor
• keyboard
• mouse or other input device
• chair
• desk or work surface
• lighting
• space
• posture
• software
• work routine
• breaks or changes in activity
• home working setup where relevant

The Health and Safety Executive explains that employers must protect workers from health and safety risks when they use display screen equipment at home or in the workplace. Its guidance on working safely with display screen equipment is a useful starting point for understanding employer responsibilities.

In practice, DSE assessment is about checking whether the person, the equipment and the way the work is organised create avoidable health risks.

Why DSE Still Matters

It is easy to underestimate DSE because office work is often seen as low risk.

In many ways, office work is lower risk than heavy industrial activity. But low risk does not mean no risk.

The latest HSE statistics for Great Britain show that 511,000 workers were suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2024/25. Musculoskeletal disorders are not all caused by DSE, but the figure shows that work-related physical discomfort and longer-term disorders remain a significant issue across the workforce.

DSE-related discomfort can affect productivity, concentration, morale and absence.

It may also affect how people feel at the end of the working day. A poor workstation might not cause immediate harm, but it can leave someone tired, uncomfortable and less able to work effectively.

For employers, the practical issue is simple: if large numbers of people spend much of their working day at screens, workstation risk needs to be managed properly.

The Modern DSE Problem Is Not Just The Office Desk

DSE used to be easier to picture.

An employee sat at a desk in an office, using a desktop computer, fixed monitor, separate keyboard, mouse and adjustable chair.

That still exists, but modern working patterns are more varied.

Employees may now work:

• at office desks
• at hot desks
• at home
• on laptops
• between multiple sites
• in shared workspaces
• from meeting rooms
• from customer premises
• on tablets or portable devices
• across long video calls
• with multiple screens
• with limited desk space

Hybrid working has made DSE assessment more important, not less.

HSE guidance says that where workers use DSE both at home and in the office, the assessment should cover both situations. It also says employers should check whether home workers can achieve a comfortable, sustainable posture and whether their own equipment is suitable.

That is a key point.

A person may have a good setup in the office and a poor setup at home, or the other way round. If they split their week between both, both arrangements matter.

Laptops Are Convenient, But Not Always Suitable For Long Use

Laptops are one of the most common DSE issues.

They are convenient, portable and widely used. But they can be awkward for long periods because the screen and keyboard are connected.

If the screen is at a comfortable height, the keyboard may be too high. If the keyboard is at a comfortable height, the screen is often too low.

That can lead to neck flexion, shoulder tension, poor wrist position and general discomfort.

For short periods, laptop use may be acceptable. For longer periods, a more suitable setup is usually needed.

That may include:

• raising the laptop on a stand
• using a separate keyboard
• using a separate mouse
• connecting to a larger monitor
• improving chair and desk position
• taking regular breaks or changing activity

These are often simple changes, but they can make a noticeable difference.

The aim is not to ban laptops. It is to make sure they are used sensibly for the duration and type of work being done.

DSE Assessment Is About The Person, Not Just The Equipment

A common mistake is treating DSE assessment as an equipment checklist.

Does the person have a chair? Yes.

Does the person have a screen? Yes.

Does the person have a keyboard and mouse? Yes.

That is not enough.

Two people can use the same workstation and have very different experiences. Height, reach, eyesight, existing health conditions, work pattern, dominant hand, task type and personal comfort all affect risk.

A DSE assessment should consider whether the individual user can work comfortably.

For example:

• can they sit with good support?
• can they reach the keyboard and mouse without strain?
• is the screen at a suitable height and distance?
• is the chair adjusted properly?
• are feet supported?
• is there enough space under the desk?
• is glare controlled?
• are frequently used items within easy reach?
• does the work pattern allow breaks or changes in activity?
• are there any symptoms or discomfort?

This is why self-assessment can be useful, but it should not be the whole system for everyone.

Many people do not know what a good workstation setup should feel like. They may report that everything is fine because they are used to discomfort. Others may know there is a problem but not know how to fix it.

Online DSE Assessments Can Help, But They Have Limits

Online DSE assessments can be useful.

They can help businesses gather information, prompt employees to think about their workstation, record findings and identify obvious issues. They can be particularly useful where staff are spread across multiple locations or working from home.

However, online assessments have limits.

They depend on the employee understanding the questions. They depend on honest and accurate answers. They may not pick up subtle posture issues, poor equipment use or practical problems that the employee has normalised.

For many users, a simple online assessment may be enough. For others, follow-up may be needed.

That follow-up could include:

• asking for more detail
• reviewing photographs of the workstation
• talking through symptoms
• adjusting the existing setup
• providing basic equipment
• arranging a trained assessor review
• involving occupational health where needed

The key is to treat online assessment as part of a process, not as the entire solution.

Home Working Has Changed The Risk Profile

Home working can be positive for many employees and businesses, but it has changed how DSE risk appears.

Some people have dedicated home offices. Others work at dining tables, kitchen counters, spare-room desks, bedrooms or shared family spaces.

Some have adjustable chairs and monitors. Others use a laptop on a table for hours each day.

Some homes have good lighting and space. Others have glare, cramped conditions, poor seating or limited privacy.

The HSE’s guidance on managing home workers’ health and safety states that employers must protect workers from risks from using computers or laptops at home, and should carry out a DSE assessment for individual workers where the DSE regulations apply.

That does not mean every home worker automatically needs a full office installed at home. But it does mean employers should not ignore home setups simply because the work is happening away from the office.

A practical approach may include:

• self-assessment for home workstations
• basic guidance on setup
• checking whether employees can work comfortably
• providing simple equipment where needed
• encouraging regular breaks and movement
• reviewing issues where discomfort is reported
• checking both home and office arrangements for hybrid workers

Hybrid Working Can Create Hidden DSE Problems

Hybrid working can create a particular problem because nobody sees the full picture.

The office manager may assume the home setup is fine. The employee may assume the office setup is fine. The manager may focus on output rather than working conditions. The employee may tolerate discomfort because it only happens on certain days.

But risk can build across both environments.

For example, someone may use a good office workstation three days a week and a poor laptop setup at home two days a week. They may also work on a train, from a sofa in the evening or on video calls for long periods.

Each setting adds to the overall pattern.

A proper DSE approach should look at the person’s real working week, not just one desk.

This is especially important where employees report discomfort that does not appear to match the office setup. The cause may be elsewhere.

Work Routine Matters As Much As Workstation Setup

A well-arranged workstation can still create problems if the work pattern is poor.

Long periods of fixed posture, intense screen concentration or repetitive mouse use can contribute to discomfort and fatigue.

DSE risk management should therefore consider breaks and changes in activity.

This does not always mean formal rest breaks away from work. It can include natural variation in tasks, standing up to take a call, walking to speak to someone, changing posture, stretching briefly, or alternating screen work with other duties.

The problem with modern office work is that many tasks are now screen-based.

Emails, meetings, documents, customer systems, reporting, training, messaging and video calls may all happen through the same screen. Even breaks can involve looking at a phone.

That makes intentional movement more important.

A DSE assessment should therefore consider not only how the workstation is set up, but how long and how intensively it is used.

Eye Strain And Visual Fatigue

DSE use does not usually cause permanent eye damage, but it can contribute to eye strain, visual fatigue, headaches and discomfort.

Common issues include:

• screen glare
• poor lighting
• reflections
• screen too close or too far away
• small text
• unsuitable display settings
• long periods without looking away
• uncorrected eyesight issues
• dry eyes
• poor screen positioning

Employees should know that they are entitled to eye tests where they are DSE users under the regulations, and employers must provide basic glasses specifically for DSE use where required.

From a practical point of view, many eye-related issues can be improved by simple changes: adjusting lighting, repositioning screens, increasing text size, reducing glare, cleaning screens, taking visual breaks and making sure eyesight needs are addressed.

Chairs, Desks And The Myth Of “One Size Fits All”

A suitable chair is one of the most important parts of a workstation, but chair suitability depends on the user.

An adjustable chair may still be poorly used. A chair that suits one person may not suit another. A home dining chair may be acceptable briefly but unsuitable for regular long-term work.

A good chair should generally allow the user to sit comfortably, support the lower back, adjust height where needed, and allow stable posture.

But the chair cannot be assessed in isolation.

Chair height affects arm position. Desk height affects shoulder posture. Screen position affects neck posture. Foot support affects lower limb comfort. Mouse and keyboard position affect wrist, arm and shoulder strain.

The workstation works as a system.

That is why simply buying “ergonomic” equipment does not automatically solve the problem. The equipment needs to be suitable, correctly adjusted and used properly.

DSE And Musculoskeletal Disorders

DSE risk is often linked to musculoskeletal discomfort.

That may include pain, stiffness, aching, tingling, numbness or fatigue affecting the back, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists or hands.

Not every ache is caused by DSE, and not every DSE issue becomes a formal musculoskeletal disorder. But employers should take symptoms seriously.

Early discomfort is often easier to address than long-term injury or chronic pain.

If employees report discomfort, the business should review the workstation, work pattern and any contributing factors. It may be necessary to adjust equipment, provide training, alter work organisation or seek occupational health advice.

The latest HSE figures show the continuing scale of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Great Britain, with 511,000 workers affected in 2024/25.

For office-based businesses, DSE is one practical area where prevention can be straightforward if issues are identified early.

DSE Training Should Be Practical

DSE training should not be complicated, but it should be useful.

Employees should understand:

• how to adjust their chair
• how to position their screen
• how to use a laptop for longer periods
• how to position keyboard and mouse
• how to reduce glare
• why breaks and movement matter
• how to report discomfort
• what to do if working from home
• when to request help
• what eye test arrangements apply

Training should help people take ownership of their setup.

Many DSE issues continue simply because employees do not realise small changes are possible. They may sit too low, reach too far, twist to see a second screen, use a laptop flat on the desk, or ignore glare because they think that is just part of the job.

Practical guidance can prevent those habits becoming long-term problems.

Shared Desks And Hot Desking

Hot desking and shared workstations can create additional DSE challenges.

A workstation may be used by several people of different heights, preferences and needs. If adjustments are not easy or employees do not know how to make them, the setup may only suit the first person who used it.

Shared desks should be easy to adjust and supported by clear guidance.

Employees should know how to adjust chairs, screens, docking stations and other equipment. They should also be encouraged to make those adjustments, rather than accept whatever setup they find.

Where desks are frequently shared, businesses should consider whether equipment is flexible enough for the range of users.

This may include monitor arms, adjustable chairs, separate keyboards and mice, docking stations and clear workstation setup instructions.

Multiple Screens And Video Calls

Modern office work often involves multiple screens and long video calls.

Both can create DSE issues.

With multiple screens, the main screen should normally be positioned according to how it is used. If one screen is used most often, it should usually be directly in front. If both are used equally, they may need to be arranged symmetrically to avoid repeated twisting.

Video calls can also encourage poor posture.

People may lean forward, stay still for long periods, use laptops in awkward positions, avoid moving because they are on camera, or schedule back-to-back meetings without breaks.

A DSE assessment should reflect how people actually work now, not how office work looked twenty years ago.

For some workers, the issue is not simply the physical workstation but the intensity of screen-based communication.

DSE And Stress Are Not The Same Thing, But They Can Interact

DSE risk and work-related stress are different issues, but they can interact.

An uncomfortable workstation can make a demanding day feel worse. Long video calls, poor breaks, constant screen use and home working boundaries can contribute to fatigue. Stress can increase muscle tension, making neck, shoulder or back discomfort worse.

Equally, ongoing pain or discomfort can affect mood, sleep and concentration.

This does not mean every DSE issue is a stress issue. But it does mean employers should look at the wider working pattern where discomfort is reported.

If someone has a technically suitable workstation but still experiences regular discomfort, it may be worth asking about workload, breaks, meeting patterns, task variation and working hours.

Reasonable Adjustments And Individual Needs

Some employees may need additional support.

This may include people with disabilities, existing musculoskeletal conditions, pregnancy-related needs, visual conditions, neurodivergent needs, or temporary injuries.

A standard workstation setup may not be enough.

Adjustments could include specialist chairs, alternative mice, keyboard changes, monitor arms, footrests, document holders, speech-to-text software, modified duties, altered working patterns or occupational health input.

The key is to assess the individual need rather than assuming that one standard solution fits everyone.

Where an employee reports a problem, it should be taken seriously and followed up appropriately.

Common DSE Assessment Failings

DSE failings are often simple and avoidable.

Common examples include:

• assuming office work is too low risk to assess
• assessing office desks but not home workstations
• relying on laptops without separate equipment for long-term use
• failing to follow up self-assessment issues
• not training employees to adjust their setup
• ignoring reported discomfort
• providing equipment without checking whether it solves the problem
• failing to consider hybrid working patterns
• poor hot desk arrangements
• back-to-back screen-based meetings
• not reviewing changes in work pattern
• unclear eye test arrangements

None of these issues needs to be dramatic to matter.

The risk comes from repetition and duration.

What A Good DSE Assessment Should Cover

A good DSE assessment should consider the individual user, workstation and work pattern.

It should normally cover:

• screen position
• keyboard and mouse use
• chair setup
• desk or work surface
• foot support
• lighting and glare
• space and layout
• posture
• laptop use
• multiple screens
• software usability
• work routine and breaks
• home working setup where relevant
• symptoms or discomfort
• training and information
• eye test arrangements
• actions needed
• review requirements

It should be practical and easy to understand.

If actions are identified, someone should be responsible for completing them. If discomfort is reported, follow-up should happen. If the worker changes location or working pattern, the assessment may need review.

What Businesses Should Do Next

If you are unsure whether your DSE arrangements are suitable, start by reviewing how people actually work.

Ask:

• who uses DSE for significant parts of their work?
• do we assess both office and home workstations where relevant?
• are laptops used for long periods without separate equipment?
• do employees know how to adjust their workstation?
• are hot desks easy to set up correctly?
• are staff reporting discomfort?
• are issues from assessments followed up?
• do employees take breaks or vary tasks?
• are eye test arrangements clear?
• do managers understand their role?
• are assessments reviewed when working patterns change?

This does not need to become a complex exercise.

For many businesses, simple improvements can make a significant difference.

Final Thought

DSE risk may not look dramatic, but it still matters.

Poor workstation setup, long periods of screen use, unsuitable laptop arrangements and weak home working controls can all contribute to discomfort and longer-term health problems.

A good DSE assessment helps identify those issues early and deal with them practically.

The aim is not to create unnecessary paperwork or force every employee into a perfect ergonomic setup. The aim is to help people work comfortably, safely and sustainably.

In modern office, home and hybrid working environments, that is not a minor issue.

It is a basic part of looking after people properly.

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