If you’ve been told by a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or DSE assessor that you need a better office chair, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what DSE compliance means, what to look for in a chair, and which refurbished models are most frequently recommended by health professionals in the UK.
What Is a DSE Assessment?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, all UK employers must carry out a workstation assessment for any employee who regularly uses a screen as a significant part of their work. This is called a DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment.
If the assessment identifies inadequate seating as a risk, the employer is legally required to address it — which typically means providing a chair that meets the DSE requirements:
- Adjustable seat height
- Adjustable seat depth (seat pan)
- Adjustable backrest height and tilt
- Lumbar support
- Stable 5-star base
- Armrests (recommended but not mandatory)
Which Chairs Are Recommended for DSE Compliance?
Any chair meeting the above criteria is technically DSE compliant. But health professionals tend to recommend specific models by name, because not all compliant chairs are equal in the quality of their support. The chairs most frequently cited include:
RH Logic 400
The most frequently prescribed chair by occupational therapists for musculoskeletal conditions. Its defining feature is a seat that can be configured with a forward tilt — opening the hip angle to approximately 110 degrees, which positions the pelvis so the spine naturally adopts its correct S-curve without deliberate effort. Widely used in healthcare, legal and architectural environments. See our refurbished RH Logic chairs.
Herman Miller Aeron
PostureFit SL supports both the lumbar and the sacrum simultaneously — the foundation of correct spinal alignment. Available in three sizes for a genuine anatomical fit. The Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle mesh eliminates pressure points associated with long sitting periods. See our refurbished Herman Miller Aeron chairs.
Steelcase Leap V2
LiveBack technology and Natural Glide recline address both lower back and neck/upper back issues simultaneously. Lower back firmness control allows the precise calibration recommended by some physiotherapists. See our refurbished Steelcase chairs.
Humanscale Freedom
Self-adjusting recline and a pivoting headrest make the Freedom an excellent choice for users who want optimal support without the complexity of manual adjustment. Particularly recommended for users who cannot easily operate multiple levers and dials. See our refurbished Humanscale chairs.
Can My Employer Pay for a DSE Chair?
Yes. If a DSE assessment recommends a specific chair, your employer is legally obligated to provide appropriate seating. Many employees share a specific product page with their HR or facilities team to facilitate a purchase order. We can provide invoices, delivery notes, and any documentation needed for a business purchase.
Why Buy Refurbished for DSE Compliance?
The chairs recommended for DSE compliance — RH Logic, Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Leap V2 — are expensive new. A new RH Logic 400 costs over £800. A new Aeron is over £1,200. Refurbished examples from our collection are available for 40–60% less, with a warranty, and perform identically to new. The chair is the same. Only the price is different.
See our DSE chair collection or browse all refurbished ergonomic office chairs. Contact us if you have specific requirements or have been referred by a health professional.