Using display screen equipment (DSE) incorrectly or having a poorly designed workstation can lead to fatigue, eye strain, and pain in the shoulders, neck, back, arms, wrists, and hands. Employers have a duty to protect workers from these risks under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to employees who use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more (“DSE users”).
The DSE Regulations require employers to
- Conduct a DSE workstation assessment
- Reduce the risks associated with DSE usage, including ensuring that workers take breaks
- Arrange an eye test if an employee requests one
- Provide DSE uses with health and safety training and information, including good posture
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published the DSE Regulations with guidance for employers. Other HSE resources on meeting the regulation’s requirements include
- Working safely with display screen equipment on HSE’s website
- A leaflet on Working with display screen equipment (DSE)
- A downloadable DSE workstation checklist
- Practical tips on maintaining a good posture
HSE also provides:
- Guidance to employers and workers about working with DSE from home on its managing home workers’ health and safety webpages, which include a video about good posture
- Advice on using DSE if you’re pregnant or have epilepsy
For those who want in-person training, Emcare offers a course on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Awareness. This course covers the DSE Regulations, hazards and risks associated with DSE, how to complete a risk assessment, how to implement risk reduction measures, and the basic principles of ergonomics. For more information, call 0141 404 0075 or email Emcare at info@emcare.co.uk.
Source
“Working safely with display screen equipment,” Health and Safety Executive. Working safely with display screen equipment. Accessed 24 April 2026.
