Workplace Ergonomics That Protect Your People & Your Business
Poor ergonomics costs UK businesses millions each year in lost productivity, absenteeism and compensation claims. Impax delivers expert ergonomic assessments, DSE compliance support and workstation reviews that reduce injury risk, boost performance and keep your organisation legally protected.
What Is Workplace Ergonomics — And Why Does It Matter?
Ergonomics is the science of designing work environments, tasks and tools to fit the people who use them. When workplaces are poorly designed — chairs at the wrong height, screens positioned awkwardly, repetitive tasks performed without support — the human body compensates. Over time, this compensation leads to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): the single largest cause of work-related ill health in the UK.
For UK employers, the consequences are significant. MSDs account for over 8 million lost working days annually. Untreated ergonomic risk creates legal exposure under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992. Impax helps businesses identify risk before it becomes injury — protecting both employees and the bottom line.
Our Workplace Ergonomics Services
From individual workstation assessments to organisation-wide DSE compliance programmes, Impax provides the expertise your business needs.
Ergonomic Assessments
A thorough one-to-one evaluation of an employee's working posture, environment and habits. Our specialists identify risk factors and provide a detailed written report with prioritised recommendations, giving you an immediate action plan to reduce injury risk.
Workstation Reviews
A systematic review of individual workstations across your office or site, assessing furniture, equipment setup, lighting and space. Ideal for new office fit-outs, returning employees and post-absence reviews. Delivered on-site or via guided remote session.
DSE Assessments
Display Screen Equipment assessments carried out in full compliance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Suitable for all regular screen users — whether office-based, remote or hybrid — with a comprehensive written record provided for your compliance file.
Risk Reduction & Prevention
Beyond assessment, Impax delivers practical risk reduction strategies: equipment recommendations, staff training, ergonomic equipment trials and ongoing monitoring. We work with your H&S team to embed lasting protective habits across your workforce.
DSE Regulations & UK Compliance: What Employers Must Know
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to carry out a suitable analysis of workstations used by employees — assessing health and safety risks and taking steps to reduce those risks to the lowest extent reasonably practicable. Failure to comply exposes your organisation to enforcement action, civil liability and reputational risk.
As an employer, your legal obligations include:
- Conducting workstation assessments for all habitual DSE users
- Providing adjustable, compliant workstation equipment
- Ensuring employees receive health and safety training
- Reviewing assessments when the work environment changes
- Keeping records of assessments and corrective actions
Impax assessments are designed specifically to satisfy these requirements. Every assessment produces a written report suitable for your compliance file, reducing your administrative burden and demonstrating due diligence to regulators, insurers and auditors.
The Business Case for Ergonomic Investment
Ergonomic intervention delivers measurable, documented returns. Here is what the evidence shows.
8M+
Working days lost to MSDs in the UK every year
60%
Of MSDs are preventable with early ergonomic intervention
£1,000+
Average cost per employee absence episode
3×
Return on investment typical from proactive ergonomics programmes
Sources: HSE Statistics 2023/24, CIPD Absence Management Survey, Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.
Our Ergonomic Assessment Process
We make the process straightforward from first contact to final report. Here is what to expect when you work with Impax.
1. Initial Enquiry & Briefing
Contact Impax via our online form, phone or email. We will discuss your needs, the number of employees requiring assessment, your site location and any existing concerns. There is no obligation and no jargon — just a straightforward conversation.
2. Assessment Planning
We confirm assessment dates, send employee pre-assessment questionnaires and coordinate logistics with your HR or H&S lead. For larger programmes, we agree a phased schedule that minimises disruption to your operations.
3. On-Site or Remote Assessment
Our qualified ergonomics specialist carries out each assessment at your premises or via a structured video call for remote workers. Each session typically takes 45–60 minutes per employee and covers posture, equipment, workstation setup and working habits.
4. Written Report & Recommendations
Within five working days of each assessment, you and the employee receive a comprehensive written report. This includes risk ratings, prioritised recommendations, equipment suggestions and compliance documentation ready for your H&S file.
5. Follow-Up & Review
Impax remains available for follow-up questions after report delivery. For clients on retainer or wellness packages, we schedule review assessments at agreed intervals to monitor progress and address any new risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ergonomic assessments, DSE compliance and working with Impax.
Who legally requires a DSE assessment?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, any employee who habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work is classified as a 'DSE user' and is legally entitled to a workstation assessment. This includes office workers, home workers, hybrid employees and call centre staff.
How often should DSE assessments be repeated?
Assessments should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change — a new workstation, new equipment, a change in role, a return from long-term absence, or a new health concern. As a general best practice, Impax recommends a full review every two years even where no changes have occurred.
Can assessments be carried out for remote and home workers?
Yes. Impax offers structured remote assessments conducted via video call. Employees complete a pre-assessment questionnaire and our specialist guides them through a full workstation review in real time, producing the same comprehensive written report as an on-site visit.
What happens during an on-site ergonomic assessment?
Our specialist visits your premises at an agreed time and carries out a one-to-one assessment with each employee. The session covers seated posture, monitor and keyboard positioning, chair and desk adjustability, lighting, and any reported discomfort. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes per person.
What does the written report include?
Each report details the findings of the assessment, a risk rating for each identified concern, prioritised recommendations for corrective action, suggested equipment adjustments or purchases, and a compliance summary suitable for your health and safety file.
Do you assess standing desks and alternative workstations?
Yes. Impax assesses all types of workstations including sit-stand desks, hot desks, laptop setups, reception counters and non-standard working environments. Our approach is adaptable to any workplace layout.
How many employees can you assess in a single visit?
This depends on the site and schedule, but a typical full day on-site allows for six to eight individual assessments. For larger programmes, we coordinate multi-day or phased visits. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we will build a programme that works for your team.
Ready to Protect Your Workforce?
Whether you need a single assessment or a company-wide DSE compliance programme, Impax makes it simple. Speak to a specialist today and find out how quickly we can improve the health, safety and performance of your team.
No obligation. No jargon. Just expert advice tailored to your business.