Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is part of everyday working life. From offices and schools to home and hybrid environments, millions of employees use screens for significant portions of their day. Understanding DSE regulations, workstation ergonomics and employer responsibilities is essential to prevent injury and remain compliant.

In this comprehensive guide, we answer the most commonly searched DSE questions in the UK.

Basics and Definitions

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to any device with a display screen used for work purposes. DSE regulations apply to employees who regularly use such equipment as part of their normal duties.

DSE includes equipment with alphanumeric or graphic display screens, including monitors, laptops and similar devices used for work tasks.

Devices typically included are:

  • Desktop computers and monitors
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Touchscreens
  • Smartphones (where used extensively for work)

A DSE assessment is a workstation risk assessment designed to identify hazards such as poor posture, incorrect screen positioning, unsuitable chairs or lighting issues. The purpose is to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), eye strain and fatigue.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

Any employee who uses display screen equipment for a significant part of their working day should receive a DSE assessment.

A DSE user is someone who:

  • Uses DSE daily or for continuous periods
  • Relies on DSE to perform their job
  • Has limited discretion over screen use

Employers must:

  • Carry out workstation assessments
  • Reduce identified risks
  • Provide information and training
  • Offer eye tests where requested
  • Review assessments when circumstances change

DSE assessments should be completed:

  • When an employee starts a role
  • When workstations change
  • When discomfort is reported
  • Periodically as good practice (often annually)

Yes. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of home workers and must ensure their workstation setup is assessed.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Yes. Poor workstation setup can contribute to back pain, neck strain, shoulder tension and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Common risks include:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
  • Eye strain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Stress

Screen work does not cause permanent eye damage, but it can lead to temporary eye strain and visual discomfort.

Symptoms may include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck and shoulder discomfort
  • Wrist pain
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent headaches

Workstation Setup and Ergonomics

A safe workstation should include:

  • Screen positioned at eye level
  • Chair adjusted to support the lower back
  • Feet flat on the floor or on a footrest
  • Keyboard and mouse within comfortable reach
  • Minimal glare and adequate lighting

The top of the screen should be roughly at eye level and about an arm’s length away.

Chair height should allow elbows to sit at roughly 90 degrees with forearms parallel to the desk.

They should be placed directly in front of the user, close enough to avoid stretching, with wrists kept straight and relaxed.

Good posture includes:

  • Back supported by the chair
  • Shoulders relaxed
  • Elbows close to the body
  • Feet flat and stable

Breaks, Working Patterns and Productivity

Short, frequent breaks are recommended. This could involve standing, stretching or changing tasks.

Short breaks taken often are preferable to longer ones less often. For example 5 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours.

A DSE break is time spent away from continuous screen work, ideally performing a different task that reduces visual and postural strain.

There is no strict time limit, but prolonged uninterrupted screen use should be avoided. Regular task variation and breaks reduce risk.

Eye Tests and Glasses

Yes. Employers must provide eye tests for DSE users upon request.

If special corrective appliances are required solely for screen work, employers must cover the cost of basic lenses.

Screens do not cause long-term eye damage, but they can cause temporary discomfort and dryness.

Equipment and Reasonable Adjustments

Employers may need to provide:

  • Adjustable chairs
  • Laptop risers
  • External keyboards and mice
  • Footrests
  • Anti-glare solutions

These may be required if a standard setup cannot be adjusted to achieve safe posture.

Reasonable adjustments may include specialist chairs, adapted keyboards, voice recognition software or modified working hours for employees with medical conditions.

DSE Assessments for Specific Groups

Yes. Home working setups must be assessed to ensure compliance and safety.

Yes. A risk assessment should consider pregnancy-related changes and adjust workstations if required.

Yes. Teachers and school staff who regularly use computers are covered by DSE regulations.

There are no separate regulations, but employers must ensure both office and home setups are assessed and risks controlled.

Training and Certification

Employers must provide information and training to ensure employees understand DSE risks and safe workstation use.

Organisations typically provide DSE awareness training, workstation assessor training, or online DSE e-learning.

Basic awareness training often takes 30–60 minutes. Assessor-level training may take a day.

Refresher training is recommended periodically and whenever working arrangements change.

Ready to Improve Your DSE Compliance and Internal Expertise?

Whether you need basic awareness training or want to build in-house DSE assessment capability, we offer a range of specialist Display Screen Equipment courses to suit your organisation.

  • DSE Assessor Training – Ideal for those responsible for carrying out workstation assessments and ensuring compliance with regulations
  • Advanced DSE Assessor Training – Designed for experienced assessors managing complex cases, reasonable adjustments, and higher-risk environments
  • DSE Assessor Train the Trainer Course – Perfect for organisations wanting to deliver DSE training internally and develop their own competent trainers
  • DSE Awareness for Managers – A practical course helping managers understand their legal duties, risk assessment responsibilities and how to support their teams effectively

If you’re unsure which course is right for your business, contact our team for expert guidance. We’ll help you select the most appropriate DSE training solution to keep your organisation compliant, productive and protected.

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Paula Coster
Paula Coster
BA (Hons), MSc.
Associate Member CIEHF
Last Updated: April 15th, 2026
Categories: DSE, Health and Safety