For employees returning to work following surgery, injury or a period of ill health, getting the workstation right can make an important difference to their comfort, confidence and ability to work sustainably.
This is particularly important when an employee is also managing a long-term health condition or disability. In these circumstances, a standard workstation setup may not meet their individual needs.
A recent case undertaken by Acorn Occupational Health demonstrates how an Advanced Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment can help employers identify ergonomic risks and implement practical adjustments to support an accessible and sustainable return to work.
The case: returning to work with multiple health considerations
Acorn was commissioned to complete a home-based ergonomic DSE assessment for an employee working remotely in an administrative role.
The employee was returning to work following hip replacement surgery and was also managing relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare condition that causes significant visual impairment.
The employee worked flexibly for 16 hours per week. Most duties were completed from a home office and occasional visits to head office. Their role involved word processing, data input, Excel, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, meetings and customer interaction.
Flexible working was an important part of managing their ongoing health needs.
The organisation wanted to ensure that the home workstation was suitable for the employee’s return to work, while also identifying any reasonable adjustments or equipment that could reduce musculoskeletal and visual strain.
Why an Advanced DSE Assessment was appropriate
DSE assessments are an important part of managing the risks associated with regular screen-based work. Poor workstation setup can contribute to discomfort, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue and visual strain.
An Advanced DSE Assessment takes an individualised approach, considering the employee’s health, working environment, tasks, functional abilities and any equipment or assistive technology they already use.
In this case, understanding the interaction between the employee’s visual impairment, mobility, recovery from surgery and working environment was particularly important.
Assessing the home workstation
The assessment involved observing the existing workstation, including the desk, chair, monitors, keyboard and mouse. The assessment also considered the employee’s work patterns, mobility and health needs.
The employee was already using a number of assistive technologies, including voice-controlled typing, a high-contrast display, an enlarged cursor and dual screens.
Alongside reviewing the physical workstation, the assessment considered ergonomic best practice, posture and the importance of taking appropriate breaks during the working day.
What risks were identified?
Several areas of the existing setup were identified as potentially contributing to discomfort or strain.
The office chair did not provide sufficient support for prolonged use. Its inadequate lumbar support and fixed backrest angle were contributing to discomfort around the hip, groin and thigh. This is particularly relevant during recovery from hip replacement surgery.
The positioning of the two monitors was also contributing to neck strain. The screens were positioned laterally, meaning the employee had to turn their head to view them.
The desk setup made it difficult to achieve optimal forearm support while typing. Additionally, prolonged static postures could contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue and reduced circulation.
The employee’s visual impairment presented an additional ergonomic consideration. Being able to position the screen closer was important for visual access, but doing so could potentially increase upper-body strain if the rest of the workstation was not adjusted accordingly.
Recommendations and adjustments
Following the assessment, a number of recommendations were made to improve the workstation and support the employee’s return to work.
These included providing an alternative ergonomic office chair with features such as adjustable lumbar support, an adjustable backrest, armrests, seat-depth adjustment, tilt and a headrest.
An electronically powered, height-adjustable desk was also recommended. This would allow the employee to bring the screens closer when required while maintaining appropriate forearm support and greater flexibility in their working position.
An adjustable dual-monitor arm was recommended to allow the screens to be positioned more ergonomically in front of the employee. This reduces the need for repeated neck rotation.
The assessment also reinforced the importance of flexible working hours and regular micro-breaks to help manage fatigue and posture.
A phased return to work, alongside ongoing Occupational Health review, was recommended to monitor progress following surgery. Continuing physiotherapy exercises was also advised to support recovery and mobility.
Creating a more accessible working environment
One of the most important aspects of this assessment was recognising that the employee’s needs were individual.
There was no single piece of equipment that could address every challenge. Instead, the recommendations considered how the employee’s health conditions, visual requirements, mobility, recovery and working pattern interacted with their workstation.
This is where an Advanced DSE Assessment can add value.
Rather than simply asking whether a workstation meets a standard checklist, an assessment can explore how the employee actually works and what may help them work safely and comfortably.
For employers, this can also support conversations around reasonable adjustments and help create a more inclusive working environment.
An effective DSE assessment isn’t just about the equipment. It’s about creating a workstation that works for the person using it.