Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments are a vital part of protecting employee health in desk-based roles. For many employees, a standard DSE assessment and basic adjustments are enough to reduce discomfort and prevent issues from developing.
However, there are times when a DSE assessment alone doesn’t go far enough.
Understanding when an employee needs additional ergonomic support can help employers reduce the risk of injury, long-term absence, and ongoing discomfort, while demonstrating a proactive approach to wellbeing.
The Limitations of a Standard DSE Assessment
DSE assessments are designed to identify common workstation risks and ensure employees meet minimum legal requirements. They typically focus on:
- Chair, desk and screen height
- Keyboard and mouse positioning
- Screen glare and lighting
- Breaks and posture awareness
While this is an important starting point, DSE assessments are often task-based and checklist-driven. They may not fully capture:
- Complex or long-standing musculoskeletal issues
- The impact of health conditions or past injuries
- Non-desk tasks that form part of the role
- Situations where pain persists despite adjustments
This is where further ergonomic input may be needed.
Signs a DSE Assessment May Not Be Enough
- Ongoing Pain Despite Adjustments
If an employee continues to report discomfort after recommended DSE changes have been implemented, this is a key indicator that a more detailed ergonomic assessment is required.
Persistent pain should not be viewed as “part of the job” and can quickly lead to reduced productivity or absence if left unaddressed.
- Repeated or Escalating Symptoms
Employees who frequently report:
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Wrist, hand or forearm discomfort
- Headaches linked to workstation use
may be experiencing underlying ergonomic or functional issues that go beyond basic DSE setup.
- A Health Condition or Previous Injury
Employees with conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, or a history of musculoskeletal injury often require more tailored ergonomic solutions than a standard DSE assessment can provide.
In these cases, further ergonomic or occupational health input can help identify suitable adjustments and prevent flare-ups.
- Complex or Varied Job Demands
Not all roles are purely desk-based. Employees who combine screen work with:
- Manual handling
- Repetitive tasks
- Prolonged standing or movement
may need a broader ergonomic assessment that considers the full scope of their role, rather than just their workstation.
- Increased Absence or Reduced Performance
Unexplained drops in performance, concentration, or increased short-term absence can sometimes be linked to unmanaged discomfort.
Early ergonomic intervention can help address issues before they escalate into long-term sickness absence.
What Further Ergonomic Support Might Involve
When a DSE assessment isn’t enough, additional support may include:
- A combined ergonomic assessment looking at posture, movement, equipment and tasks
- Recommendations for specialist equipment or adjustments
- Review of workload patterns, breaks and task design
- Functional capacity assessments where there are concerns about physical capability or role demands
This more holistic approach helps ensure adjustments are practical, proportionate and sustainable for both the employee and the organisation.
Why Early Action Matters
Addressing ergonomic issues early can:
- Reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal conditions
- Support employees to remain productive and comfortable at work
- Demonstrate a commitment to reasonable adjustments
- Reduce the likelihood of prolonged absence or formal management referrals
From an employer perspective, it’s often far more effective, and cost-efficient, to intervene early rather than react once problems have escalated.
Looking Beyond DSE Assessments
DSE assessments play an important role in workplace health, but they shouldn’t be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Knowing when to escalate to further ergonomic support helps employers move from compliance to prevention, creating healthier and more sustainable working environments.
For more information on our ergonomic services, click here
Contact Us
If you’d like to discuss ergonomic support, DSE assessments, or further workplace adjustments for your organisation, our team is happy to help.
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk
📞 01260 277797