What to Expect from an In-Person DSE Assessment
An in-person DSE assessment, or Display Screen Equipment assessment, checks how someone works at a screen to reduce discomfort and injury risk. Every UK employer must support workers who use screens for long periods under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. In‑person DSE assessments give a human touch that online forms cannot match. They’re about observing real behaviour, finding subtle risks, and making practical changes that actually stick.
Most people think of a DSE assessment as just “adjusting a chair and screen”, but it’s really about solving real comfort issues and preventing longer‑term problems.
What Happens Step by Step
An experienced assessor comes to the workstation , this could be in the office or at home. They observe how the person works, ask how they feel during a typical day, and look closely at posture and setup. You walk through how the equipment is used rather than just ticking boxes on a form.
You might hear questions like “Where do you feel tension during the day?” or “When does discomfort usually start?” The assessor carrying out the in-person DSE assessment is simply learning about habits, not just furniture.
What the Assessor Looks At
Here’s what you can expect them to focus on:
- Chair support and how you sit
- Monitor height, distance, and lighting
- Keyboard and mouse position
- How often you break and move around
- Whether any accessories could help comfort and posture
After the visit, you get clear feedback and a written summary of recommended changes.
What Happens During a Face‑to‑Face DSE Assessment
- A conversation about your workday: Your assessor will start by getting to know your role, how you use your workstation, the types of tasks you do, how often you take breaks, and whether you’re experiencing any discomfort or early signs of musculoskeletal strain.
- A full check of your workstation setup: They’ll look closely at how your chair, desk, monitor, keyboard and mouse are positioned. This helps identify anything that might be causing poor posture, unnecessary reaching, or eye and neck strain.
- Immediate ergonomic adjustments: Most improvements can be made on the spot. This may include raising or lowering your chair, adjusting your screen height or distance, reducing glare, or repositioning your keyboard and mouse for better alignment.
- Guidance on healthier working habits: You’ll get practical advice on posture, movement, and reducing repetitive strain—simple changes that make your day feel more comfortable and less fatiguing during your in-person dse assessment.
- Recommendations for extra support if needed: If your setup would benefit from additional equipment, the assessor may suggest items like a footrest, ergonomic mouse, lumbar support or a monitor riser to help you work with better long‑term comfort.
Why Is an In‑Person DSE Assessment Better?
In‑person DSE assessmentS are more accurate because they capture things people often miss in self‑assessments. A trained assessor sees subtle posture issues, awkward lighting, or spacing problems that someone filling out a form might not notice. Instant adjustments can be made on the spot, and employees often feel heard and supported.
Why Your Business Should Invest in In‑Person DSE Checks
- You comply with legal requirements
- You get personalised advice for each worker
- Small changes can prevent long‑term pain
- Workers feel valued and supported
Great workplace health isn’t just about avoiding injury. An in-person DSE assessment helps create a setup that supports posture, reduces strain, and allows people to work comfortably and productively every day.
If your organisation does not currently offer in-person DSE assessments, or if members of your team are experiencing discomfort from screen work, this is the right time to take action. A professional assessment can identify small changes that make a big difference to comfort, posture, and long-term wellbeing.
Supporting your team with the right workstation setup helps prevent avoidable strain, reduces the risk of absence, and creates a more comfortable working environment.
If you would like to arrange an in-person DSE assessment for your organisation, complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
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