Don't confuse activity and location - "home working" is being at work in their domestic property.

DSE assessments are required for "users" at work.

or in three letters YES

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHSE/bulletins/29a95db

Is the latest HSE bulletin. From the "temporary home working link" within that bulletin (

"There is no increased risk from DSE work for those working at home temporarily. So in that situation employers do not need to ask them to carry out home workstation assessments"

So it all really depends on whether this is a temporary measure, or if it is a long term thing. However, (the next few lines)

"During any period of temporary home working, employers need to regularly discuss these arrangements with their employees. If such work is adversely affecting the health, safety and welfare of their employees, they should take appropriate steps."

So if you have a concern, they need to act on it, just as if you were at the work premises.

"temporary permanent" - a quick fix to address an issue that becomes embedded in the business practices

Those with experience of Denso tape pipe repair will appreciate what this means.

Let me guess, does it mean leaks and repeated repairs?

Hi Messy. Neck ache suggests that you are using your laptop in it's pure form, thus leaning forward and down to see the screen.

Apart from taking regular short breaks, the simplest immediate solution is to get a separate keyboard and mouse, then put your open laptop onto something to lift the screen to a comfortable position, likely to be between 15 - 30 cms from table-top. A lap tray, sturdy cardboard box or similar will do this. Time to implement = 5 minutes if you already have a keyboard & mouse. Two days if you have to procure these. Or persuade your company to provide a laptop riser with kb & mouse or trackball. That might take a bit longer but will be a more elegant solution.

Lean back slightly in your chair if you can, so that when your muscles get tired you will tend to slump backwards against the back rather than lean forwards with your heavy head. 

Edited by user 19 August 2020 14:55:17(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

 Messy, can I suggest you get the DSE user training "refreshed" to all staff- this might jog a few into better awareness. The HSE page you refer to has a tool box on DSE at the end.

Honestly, After 5 months I think we have moved beyond "temporary" and should be investing in some form of self assessment or evaluation.Picking up any aches and pains now could save a lot of remedial action, costly equipment  and lost time (and paperwork) later.