A step by step guide for DSE Assessments

What are DSE Assessments?

A Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment is a risk assessment of an individual to operate a single workstation.

It ensures that those who do work with computers, display screens, laptops, touch screens and other similar devices for extended periods are working in a safe, comfortable and ergonomically sound environment.

Completing a DSE Assessment can help to:
• Prevent discomfort, pain or injury
• Ensure correct ergonomic setup of equipment
• Identify and address any risk
• Recommend reasonable adjustments

Refer to your company’s internal guidance here.

For general advice on working safely with screens and monitors, click here.

Step by step guide to completing
a DSE Assessment

Step 1
Employees need to complete a DSE Cardinus self-assessment in line with the company policy. If an employee doesn’t have access to the Cardinus system, a DSE Workstation Checklist / Assessment Form can be filled out.

Step 2
Once a self-assessment has been completed, the outcome is to be reviewed by the employee and line manager.

Step 3
Both the manager and the employee should review the outcome and recommendations made within the Cardinus report. Together they should implement any recommended changes, including sourcing suggested equipment.

Person completing DSE assessment
Colleagues reviewing DSE assessment

Further steps if more support is needed

Step 4
If the employee’s DSE concerns are not resolved via the self-assessment (steps 1-3), then the manager should raise a DSE Assessment via Optima Portal. A copy of the employee’s Cardinus DSE report must be uploaded as part of the referral.

All DSE Assessment referrals made via Optima Portal are now triaged prior to an assessment being booked.

Step 5
If the referral is accepted via triage an appointment for a DSE Assessment will be setup for the employee. This will be conducted remotely, unless clinically indicated otherwise. Once this has taken place, line managers will receive a completed assessment from the occupational health practitioner.

From here, we advise that the line manager and employee discuss the report together, and work towards a solution based on any recommendations made.