Making sure everyone is sitting comfortably and correctly at work can be challenging.  However, should an employee complain of discomfort such as neck, shoulder or back pain whilst at their workstation, then it’s important that this is addressed.

In the first instance the employee should complete a DSE self-assessment.  The assessment should then be reviewed by the employer to identify and address any possible causes of pain.

Causes may relate to incorrect chair set-up, poor posture, sitting in a draught, lack of breaks/changes of activity, poorly positioned equipment, etc.

DSE self-assessments should be done as a matter of course on an annual basis to ensure employees continue to adopt correct working practices and also identify any possible issues before the onset of problems.  However, when an employee is experiencing discomfort and it’s reported, then a re-assessment should be completed and appropriate action taken.

Other occasions when re-assessments are required include:

• Replacement of workstation equipment.
• The introduction of new software.
• An office move which results in employees changing desks.
• An employee confirms they are pregnant.
• If a request is made for the purchase of any specialist equipment, such as a foot or wrist rest, then prior to placing any orders, a DSE self-assessment should be completed.

By completing self-assessments, enables appropriate monitoring of the employee’s condition and a record of actions taken by the employer should problems persist.

All employees who use a workstation, which includes a desktop computer or laptop, should also be provided with information and guidance on how to sit comfortably and correctly, how to adjust their chair and the correct layout of equipment placed on the workstation.

Helpful resources:

Display Screen Equipment Policy

Display Screen Equipment Self-Assessment Questionnaire