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July 15, 2025
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Sarah's been working from her kitchen table for two years.
What started as a temporary pandemic arrangement has become permanent—along with the chronic back pain that keeps her awake at night and the wrist strain that makes typing agony.
Her employer thinks they're saving money on office space. What they don't realise?
They're legally liable for every day Sarah suffers, and when she finally claims compensation, it could cost them £40,000 or more.
This isn't a rare case.
543,000 UK workers are suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders right now, costing the economy £21.6 billion annually. Yet only 10% of UK businesses are fully compliant with Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations.
Here's what most employers don't understand: the ROI is potentially huge:
In other words, miss these assessments, and you're not just breaking the law—you're haemorrhaging money and employee safety and wellbeing.
A DSE assessment is a systematic evaluation of computer workstations to prevent the musculoskeletal disorders that are crippling UK productivity.
It's not about making sure everyone has a comfortable chair. It's about preventing serious, life-changing injuries that can destroy careers and cost businesses tens of thousands in compensation.
The assessment covers six critical areas:
Here's the crucial bit: if your employees use screens for more than one hour daily, you're legally required to assess their workstations.
That includes office workers, remote staff, and everyone in between. No exceptions.
The remote work revolution hasn't changed your legal obligations—it's made them more complex. 28% of UK workers are now in hybrid arrangements, and you're responsible for assessing both their home and office setups.
While there’s obviously the human side of things, making sure the real people who work in your company are morally looked after, with their health and wellbeing supported, there are business considerations that go beyond compliance.
The average workplace injury costs £11,000 per case.
The hidden costs are even worse:
And that's before you factor in recruitment costs, training replacements, increased insurance premiums, and the productivity drain of presenteeism—when injured staff struggle through work in pain.
Since 2015, HSE fines have been unlimited. Recent penalties range from £1.6 million to £3.6 million for major violations, averaging around £150,000 per case.
With all this in mind, ask yourself, can your business afford that risk?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 aren't suggestions—they're law. Every UK employer must comply, whether your staff work in gleaming offices or at kitchen tables.
Core requirements include:
The pandemic created confusion, but the HSE has been crystal clear: temporary arrangements are no longer acceptable.
Full compliance is mandatory for all workers, regardless of location.
Here's what trips up most employers: the regulations make no distinction between permanent, temporary, or remote workers.
Everyone using screens for an hour or more daily needs assessment. You can't charge employees for required equipment, and if someone needs special glasses for screen work, you pay.
Documentation matters too.
Assessment records must be kept for a minimum of three years, with health surveillance potentially requiring 40-year retention. Get this wrong, and you're facing improvement notices, prohibition orders, or criminal prosecution.
Stop treating DSE assessments like paperwork—they're strategic investments that prevent costly injuries and boost productivity.
While many employers worry about implementation complexity and costs, smart businesses are discovering that systematic DSE programs deliver immediate returns through reduced sick leave, improved performance, and compliance protection.
Here's your step-by-step framework for transforming DSE from burden to business advantage:
Start with anyone using screens for one hour or more daily. That includes obvious candidates like office workers, but also reception staff, security personnel monitoring CCTV, and anyone working remotely.
Don't forget hybrid workers—they need assessments for both locations.
You have options, and the best choice depends on your workforce size and complexity:
Basic DSE assessor training takes just one day and costs £250-400. For complex cases involving existing injuries or disabilities, you'll need chartered ergonomists.
Smart investment pays back quickly through reduced absence and improved productivity. Equipment costs range from £200-2,000 per workstation, depending on individual needs:
Modern technology makes compliance easier. Software solutions cost just £7-15 per user annually and can manage assessments across entire organisations.
Successful programs integrate with existing health and safety frameworks. Connect with specialist services like TAC Healthcare's physiotherapy programs for comprehensive MSK support, establish clear referral pathways, and maintain comprehensive documentation systems.
Review assessments annually or when circumstances change—new equipment, office moves, or health issues all trigger reassessment requirements. The businesses thriving in 2025 aren't the ones avoiding DSE compliance—they're the ones leveraging it for competitive advantage.
DSE assessments aren't bureaucratic box-ticking—they're business-critical investments that deliver measurable returns while protecting your most valuable asset: your people.
With 90% of UK businesses currently non-compliant, early action gives you a competitive advantage in talent retention while avoiding potentially catastrophic legal and financial consequences.
And what happens when the government decides to crack down?
Start by identifying high-risk areas: intensive screen users, anyone reporting discomfort, and all remote workers. The investment pays back within 12 months through reduced sick leave, lower insurance costs, and improved productivity.
Ready to transform your workplace safety? TAC Healthcare provides comprehensive DSE assessment and physiotherapy services that integrate seamlessly with your existing health and safety framework.
Call us on 0333 014 3488 or email businessdevelopment@tachealthcare.com to discuss assessment options tailored to your organisation. Because protecting your team isn't just legal compliance—it's smart business.
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