An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a DSE workstation assessment is
A DSE (display screen equipment) workstation assessment reviews how a person uses screens, keyboards, chairs and desks, along with posture, lighting and breaks, to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal discomfort, eye strain and fatigue. It applies to office, home and other screen-based workstations.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their workstation assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Check the workstation set-up against good ergonomic practice.
- Identify discomfort, strain or unsuitable equipment.
- Record adjustments, equipment and any further action.
- Support comfortable, sustainable screen-based working.
Who completes it
- Often the user, with a self-assessment, supported by a competent person.
- A trained assessor for more complex or unresolved cases.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure assessments are acted on.
When it is used
- For new starters and new or changed workstations.
- When someone reports discomfort or a health change.
- When equipment, location or working pattern changes.
- On a review cycle defined by the employer, including home working.
Typical fields
- User, location (office or home), date and assessor.
- Screen, keyboard, mouse, chair and desk set-up.
- Posture, lighting, glare, noise and space.
- Breaks and work pattern.
- Discomfort reported, actions agreed and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the workstation and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Treating it as a tick-box exercise with no follow-up actions.
- Ignoring home-working set-ups that are part of the job.
- Not acting on reported discomfort until it becomes an injury.
- Never reviewing it when equipment or working patterns change.
Document workflow
A DSE workstation assessment usually sits within the wider risk assessment and informs adjustments, equipment provision and, where relevant, occupational health referral. Actions are tracked to completion, and a change or new report triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a DSE workstation assessment.
Retention (high level)
Workstation assessments are generally kept for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties, as they may contain health information. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
DSE assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside the user’s records and the wider risk assessment. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Assess office and home workstations that are part of the role.
- Act on the assessment — agree and complete the adjustments.
- Respond promptly to reported discomfort.
- Review after changes and protect any health information.
Worker notes
- Complete your workstation self-assessment honestly.
- Adjust your set-up and take breaks as suggested.
- Report discomfort early so it can be addressed.
Country considerations
Duties around screen-based work, breaks and eye tests vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing screen-based workstations, acting on the findings and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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