Is DSE Enough for an Employer’s Duty of Care?
Probably not — but my own view is individuals (employees) should be looking after themselves and take responsibility just as much as employers, especially whilst homeworking.
The benefits are endless and maybe if you did think about your posture, you’d get less of a lecture from me during training sessions. Win-Win!
I can’t help but think with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, poor posture is like another pandemic — but this one has been around much longer.
Home Working and Posture
For those of us who work in an office, you’ll already be aware of the hazards faced when sitting for long periods of time. Employers often provide suitable chairs, wrist supports and footrests.
But when homeworking, it’s easy to forget these things. Yes, you can set up your workstation however you want — but your employer still has a duty of care to you.
And how many businesses have thought about following DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations remotely?
During training sessions, I highlight posture constantly:
- Around 50% of people on my courses report aches and pains.
- 90% admit they don’t think about posture at all during working hours.
What Happens If We Don’t Think About Posture?
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the main causes of sickness absence.
Common problems include:
- Repetitive strain injury
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder and neck aches
We’ve known about these issues for decades — and yet most of us still suffer from MSDs at some point.
Employers’ Responsibilities
Employers can’t stop their staff from ageing — but they can take practical steps outlined in the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.
If staff use a computer, laptop, tablet or phone for extended periods, employers must assess the risks.
Practical investments can reduce absence and injury:
- Adjustable chairs
- Footrests or pedals
- Suitable lighting
- Wrist and mouse supports
It’s about ergonomics — fitting the workstation to the person. This is where DSE training comes in.
Homeworking and DSE
Even if you’re working at home, employers still have a duty of care.
Recommendations for employers:
- Provide or arrange DSE training (required under regulations).
- Use a DSE risk assessment for each homeworking staff member.
- Make reasonable adjustments where practicable.
Practical actions:
- Allow employees to use work equipment at home (chairs, mouse, wrist pads, monitor risers).
- Encourage frequent breaks.
- Lower or adapt performance targets.
- Encourage non-work activities and movement.
- Advise staff not to use their couch as a workstation.
- Provide seat cushions or posture aids if needed.
Last time I checked, a good cushion was around £27.00 (July 2020) — affordable for any employer and excellent for posture.
Sit-to-Stand Desks
For workplaces, height-adjustable desks (or “sit-to-stand” desks) are brilliant for improving posture and reducing strain during the day.
Personal Responsibility Matters
Outside of work — consider the activities that put strain on your body:
- Sports and hobbies
- Gardening
- Running or climbing
Looking after your posture benefits all of these too.
I didn’t think about posture either until tennis caused me shoulder issues. After advice from my physio, I started leaving post-it reminders and phone pop-ups to remind myself about posture.
Your employer has a duty of care — but you also have personal responsibility.
Where Do Stretches Come In?
Wow! That was my reaction two weeks into attending Pilates classes on the advice of my physio.
Stretching is powerful — it improves core strength, posture, and makes day-to-day tasks easier.
Easy wins when homeworking:
- Short daily stretch routines — morning and afternoon.
- Free videos on YouTube or Zoom sessions.
- Do them in your comfy clothes (you’re working from home anyway).
If you have any injuries, seek medical guidance before doing new exercises.
DSE E-Learning Training for Businesses
We offer DSE e-learning courses designed for:
- Employees – to understand posture and workstation safety
- Managers – to assess their staff’s workstation and equipment
These are short courses — so you won’t be sitting for long — and you can save your progress at any time (perfect time to fit in that 10-minute stretch!).
For managers who complete the course, we’ll send a free DSE assessment document to use for staff evaluations.
Group discounts are also available.
👉 Visit our E-Learning page to explore the courses.