DSE Assessments for your team of remote and hybrid workers

If workers use display screen equipment (DSE) daily, as part of their normal work, continuously for an hour or more, employers must conduct a workstation assessment. Employers should examine the entire workstation setup, including equipment, furniture, working conditions, the tasks being performed, and any specific requirements for individual staff members, such as accommodations for users with disabilities.

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Remote and hybrid working have become the new standard model. And, just as under the in-office model, companies have to prioritise the health and safety of employees’ work setups. But away from the office, this can be challenging; how can risks be properly assessed and mitigated, without an in-person review? Thankfully, Ooodles has a way for companies to fulfil legally required assessments for remote and hybrid teams – and it’s just as well; because the incidence of pain and health issues due to long hours at workstations is on the rise.

A 2023 report from the UK government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that 473,000 workers are suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder – up significantly from previous reporting periods. This has been attributed to the increase in staff working from home, using an unsuitable home office setup. Altogether, injuries and ill health from current working conditions is estimated to cost the economy £20.7 billion – and businesses are largely footing the bill. And the worst part? Workers are suffering in silence; a poll by a UK charity found that nine out of ten (89%) workers in pain haven’t told their employers about their struggles.

Ooodles is bridging this gap, with DSE assessments for remote and hybrid workers.

We provide a complete overview of your employees’ remote working setups, and identify any health risks or ergonomic concerns. Read on for everything you need to know about DSE assessments – from what they cover, to how they can improve your team’s wellbeing and productivity.

What is DSE Assessment and why does it matter?

DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment.

This means any screens used for work: laptops, monitors, tablets, smartphones – anything with pixels that displays information. A DSE assessment is essentially a workstation risk assessment that helps companies provide safe and ergonomic setups for their employees.

These assessments are a legal requirement in the UK for all workers who regularly use DSE – whether in the office or remote.

What does a DSE Assessment cover?

Ooodles DSE assessments obviously cover screens; but to be truly effective, you have to go beyond screens, to evaluate the complete workstation.

✅ Furniture

An effective DSE assessment should cover chairs, desks, footrests – and any other supportive items used while working.

✅ Peripherals

Keyboards, mice, laptop stands, phones, headsets – and any other necessary equipment.

✅ Environment

Comfort needs to be factored in, too. This includes lighting, temperature, humidity, and noise levels – anything that could impact a comfortable workspace.

The HSE offers a free checklist of items to cover, including the displays being used, which you can download here – but this is a bare-bones check, not tailored to specific environments. Ooodles will work with you to create a meaningful DSE assessment for your needs.

A new employee joins your team
A new workstation is set up
An employee changes their own workstation setup
They switch from office to home or hybrid work
Someone reports pain or discomfort at their workstation

Hybrid workers have to assess both their home and their office setups – but DSE assessments from Ooodles make it easy for teams to maintain a healthy work environment in multiple locations.

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Why DSE assessments are critical for remote workers

Long periods at workstations can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Workers may begin to experience migraines, or might need glasses for work – even though they don’t usually wear glasses at all.

But far more debilitating are the injuries that can arise from poorly configured workstations; the range of musculoskeletal issues include neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain.

In the UK, these injuries are the second leading cause of absenteeism.

Addressing these risks proactively is especially crucial for home workers, who don’t always have proper office setups with ergonomic chairs or adjustable desks. In fact, the Institute for Employment Studies reported a 58% rise in neck pain, 56% in shoulder pain, and 55% in back pain among home workers.

Ooodles’ DSE assessments help identify any potential issues early, allowing you to support your team’s wellbeing effectively.

How does an Ooodles DSE self-assessment work?

Our DSE self-assessment tool is built into our platform; so when you lease tech with us, you’ll be able to perform assessments as soon as your IT equipment arrives.

Our assessment is designed for all types of workers – remote, hybrid, and in-office.

Employees just have to answer some simple questions about their workspace, equipment, and environment. It’s quick (under 10 minutes) and provides actionable, tailored guidance specific to your workflows, and each employee’s setup.

Unlike generic assessments, an Ooodles DSE assessment adapts based on the user’s responses – giving personalised recommendations. Managers can access the results in their Ooodles dashboard, to review the findings of each DSE assessment, flag workstation risks, and ensure compliance across the team.

Is the Ooodles DSE assessment suitable for home workers?

Absolutely! The Ooodles DSE assessment was crafted with remote workers in mind.

We understand that home working setups vary widely, so we tailor guidance to different home office situations. Whether your employees work from their breakfast counter or a dedicated office room at home, we’ll make sure they receive relevant, practical advice for their work setup.

What happens if there are issues with employee workstations?

Ooodles offers a comprehensive range of accessories that can be added to your lease; from hands-free headsets, to larger displays, to accessibility-enabled devices. We can make recommendations based on your employees’ assessments – including whether their furniture is adequate, or if the working environment they have chosen complies with HSE guidelines.

Ultimately, it’s down to the employer and the employee to sign off – but we’re here to make the process as simple as possible.

Choose Ooodles for DSE assessments

DSE assessments from Ooodles empower businesses to create healthy, safe workspaces for every employee – no matter where they work. As well as super simple IT and tech leasing, our unique platform offers:

Comprehensive, adaptive DSE assessments for remote, hybrid, and office work
Real-time risk flagging and compliance tracking, for peace of mind
Easy ordering of accessories, to mitigate risks
Ongoing support for your team’s long-term wellbeing