What are DSE Assessments?

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Users of DSE (Display Screen Equipment) can be assessed either by questionnaire screening, or through a face to face assessment. The assessment looks at the way the user's desk and equipment are set up to ensure it is suitable for the user and ergonomically sound. Environmental factors are also taken into account, as well as the user's ability to use the required software effectively. The assessment also checks for adverse health symptoms that could be related to improper use of DSE, and makes suggestions to mitigate the risk of new or further injury.

The business case

It is a legal requirement for employers to carry out a DSE assessment for all applicable users. The DSE Regulations apply to workers if they use DSE every day for one hour or more at a time. If they use DSE less often than that, the regulations are unlikely to apply.

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Important to note is that the regulations don't only apply to people working at a fixed desk in an office. Other DSE users may require DSE assessments, such as home workers, mobile workers, those using hot-desks, and those using DSE in non-office environments.

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Besides the legality of assessments, it makes business sense to mitigate the risks of DSE related illness or injury. Improper use of DSE or a poor desk set up can result in employees experiencing a range of adverse health effects such as back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury, fatigue, and eyestrain. An effective DSE assessment can help prevent these issues, reducing the time and cost of related sickness absence and HR issues.

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For this reason, it is wise to conduct DSE assessments at the start of someone's employment, or commencement in a DSE user role, when a user moves to a new workstation, or if there are any changes made to the workstation, equipment, furniture, software or environment.

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When an issue is identified, an effective DSE assessor will make appropriate recommendations to rectify the problem. This may be as simple as adjusting the height of the screen during an assessment, or for more complex issues, a recommendation for particular equipment such as a foot rest or an ergonomic mouse or chair.

DSE assessments provide the opportunity to educate employees about how to reduce their risk of DSE related injury. Once employees are empowered with this knowledge, they can work effectively and safely with DSE throughout their employment.

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Delivery method:

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• Online self assessment questionnaire - talks users through correct set up and checks for symptoms before being screened by an AHM clinician. if issues are identified, the clinician will follow up with a phone call before producing a DSE certificate. 

• Video assessment - remote assessment with an AHM clinician

• Face to face 'at desk' assessment* - in person assessment with an AHM clinician - minimum charge applicable – best for group bookings

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Service levels:

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Online DSE self assessment questionnaires can be sent out immediately upon your instruction subject to payment terms being agreed. We aim to screen all questionnaires within 2 working days and will release DSE certificates at the same time.

We aim to offer a date for video DSE assessments within 10 working days but can usually find appointments the same week.

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On-site face to face bookings can usually be accommodated within 10 working days, but very occasionally during busier periods there can be up to a 4 week wait.