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Fitness for Work Assessments: Why They Matter and When to Use Them
Understanding when fitness for work assessments are needed and how they protect both staff and employers.
June 11, 2025
When most people think of workplace risks, they picture construction sites, factories, or heavy industry. But offices come with their own set of challenges, and because they’re less visible, they’re often ignored until they start causing problems. At OccuMed, we’ve worked with plenty of organisations where staff were struggling with health issues that developed quietly behind a desk.
From musculoskeletal pain caused by poor workstation set-up to fatigue linked with screen time and stress, the impact can be just as disruptive as injuries in more “obvious” high-risk jobs. The good news here is that most office-based risks are manageable with the right mix of awareness, adjustments, and monitoring.
Why It Matters:
Even in low-risk environments, neglecting health can carry a heavy cost.
- Employee wellbeing – Discomfort and stress reduce job satisfaction and morale.
- Productivity – Small issues like back pain or eye strain can quickly turn into lost days and reduced focus.
- Legal compliance – Employers still have duties under health and safety law, including proper Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments.
The Common Gaps we see
One of the biggest gaps in office environments is the assumption that “low risk” means “no risk.” DSE assessments are sometimes treated as a formality, then forgotten about as soon as a desk is set up. We often see poor follow-up when staff report discomfort, with adjustments delayed or never implemented. Another gap is stress management. Pressure in office roles is often underestimated, and because it’s harder to see than a physical injury, it doesn’t always get the same attention. Over time, these oversights can lead to higher absence rates and frustration among staff.
How We Approach it
We start by looking at the whole picture, not just the equipment on someone’s desk. Proper ergonomic assessments, whether face-to-face or online, help flag up issues early and suggest practical fixes that actually make a difference day to day. Beyond that, we encourage employers to treat DSE reviews as ongoing, not just something you do once and forget about. Stress and wellbeing are part of the conversation too, and we build them into our recommendations where relevant. By combining ergonomic expertise with clear, actionable advice, we help offices stay healthy, productive, and compliant.
Final Word
Office jobs may look safe on the surface, but ignoring the hidden risks can chip away at health and performance over time. With the right checks and adjustments, businesses can create workplaces where staff feel comfortable, supported, and able to do their best work.
