Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is any device that has an alphanumeric or graphic display screen. They’re prevalent in contemporary offices, and could include PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. In the United Kingdom, DSE regulations fall under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. These regulations exist to safeguard employees from the risks associated with extended use of such equipment as part of their workday—usually this will be continuous periods of one hour or more per day. Employers have several responsibilities, including conducting risk assessments that ensure workstations are ergonomic, mitigating physical and mental health risks. They should also authorise regular breaks, provide eyesight tests when they’re requested, and cover the cost of corrective eyewear that’s needed for DSE work. Finally, employers must provide training ensuring staff understand how to arrange their workstation freely. When these responsibilities aren’t fulfilled, staff risk musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, repetitive strain injury, and stress.
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What is DSE (display screen equipment)?
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Employers have a legal duty to look after the Health & Safety of their staff. This means taking steps to remove or reduce risks to them where possible. Health & Safety is a huge task, and that’s why it’s a team effort from managers, supervisors, and staff on every level to prevent harm from happening to themselves or others.
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DSE, meaning display screen equipment, is prevalent within many businesses across the country—particularly in office environments.
As part of workers’ days, they may spend considerable time using DSE. Whilst DSE mightn’t pose an immediate risk to employees’ Health & Safety, there’s still much to consider.
Employers must be aware of their legal obligations, conversely, employees should understand the extent of their rights.
Our guide discusses DSE meaning, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, and much more.
Examples of DSE
Display screen equipment is any device that incorporates an alphanumeric or graphic display screen. This could include:
Desktop PCs
Laptops
Tables
Smartphones and other handheld devices
Touchscreens
CCTV monitors and television screens
Why do DSE regulations exist?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply to workers who use DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more and are in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with them. What are the risks of using display screen equipment?
Prolonged use of DSE can result in workers experiencing physical and mental health issues, such as:
Musculoskeletal disorders: Inadequate equipment and poor posture results in back, neck and shoulder pain.
Repetitive strain injury: Excessive typing and mouse use leads to nerve and tendon damage to wrists and hands.
Eye strain: Screen brightness and glare could contribute to eye pain and headaches.
Burnout: Mental fatigue and stress are possible consequences of looking at DSE for too long.
What are the display screen equipment regulations?
Amended in 2002, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 sets out five duties that employers must meet:
1. Workstation risk assessment: Employers should check their staff’s workstations, including those who are hybrid or remote, and identify and mitigate DSE health risks.
2. Ensure standards: All equipment (desks, chairs, keyboards and anything categorised as DSE) must meet minimum ergonomic criteria.
3. Regular work breaks: Planned work breaks should be implemented into the working day to accommodate for time away from screens.
4. Provide eye tests: If staff request eye tests, employers should provide and cover the costs. If the test determines a worker is visually impaired and needs corrective DSE glasses, an employer should pay for a basic pair.
5. Training: DSE training showing staff how to properly set up their workstations should be delivered.
What is a DSE assessment?
To understand how a worker uses their DSE, employers should use this specific risk assessment. Its objective is to highlight possible risks stemming from extensive DSE use.
Here’s what a DSE assessment entails:
Self-assessment: Employees must review their own setup with a DSE workstation checklist or online software.
Professional assessment: A qualified specialist reviews a workplace and provides ergonomic advice.
Specialist assessment: Those with a pre-existing condition medical condition may necessitate a more comprehensive review.
How often should be a DSE assessment be carried out?
It’s a legal requirement that a DSE assessment is conducted in the following scenarios:
There’s a new employee starting work
A new workstation is made
Existing DSE setups undergo a big change
The DSE user reports discomfort
What can employers do to support staff with DSE?
As per the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, employers can provide DSE training. This could include user awareness, such as:
Guides demonstrating how to ensure DSE is ergonomic
Specific training for eye health to reduce strains
Exercises that aid hazard identification
Following an eye test, if it’s established that an employee requires glasses for DSE, an employer must pay for an employee’s glasses.
How much do employers have to pay for DSE glasses?
In addition to covering the cost of an eye test, employers are obliged to pay for a basic pair of frames and lenses designed to mitigate strain from extensive DSE use.
FAQs: What is Display Screen Equipment?
Who counts as a DSE user?
An employee that regularly uses DSE for extended periods of time will be deemed a “user”. This is usually around one hour more each day.
When must employers conduct a DSE risk assessment?
Employers should conduct a formal DSE workstation assessment when a new workstation is being set up, when a new user starts work, when an existing workstation undergoes significant change, and if a user says they’re in pain or discomfort.
Do employers have to pay for eye tests and glasses?
If an employee who uses DSE requests an eye test, employers should provide one and cover the expense—it should be a full examination by a qualified optometrist. Employers are only required to pay for basic frames and lenses if the eye test proves the employee needs corrective glasses.
What are the rules for rest breaks?
Whilst there is no fixed legal limit on screen time, employers should plan the working day so there are period breaks and changes in activity.
What training must employers provide?
Employers should provide Health & Safety training that covers postural awareness, environmental factors (how to avoid glare), reporting ill health and workstation problems, and user entitlements—employers should make staff aware of their right to eye tests.
Are employers responsible for remote workers’ setup?
Employers have the same Health & Safety responsibilities irrespective of where their staff are working—employers can fulfil their duty by downloading our free home working risk assessment template.
Final say: What is DSE (display screen equipment)?
DSE is a fundamental part of workers’ routine, and as discussed, prolonged use can lead to an array of ailments—both physical and mental. For example, employees may experience sore wrists, eye strain, or stress and mental fatigue.
Therefore, display screen equipment legislation exists, ensuring employers fulfil their duty to protect their employees’ Health & Safety. This can be achieved with display screen equipment risk assessments, training and proper equipment.
Are you struggling to meet DSE regulations?
Did you know 40.1 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal injury last year?
Peninsula has over 40 years’ Health & Safety experience. Our experience and industry knowledge means we can deliver expertise covering your DSE needs.
Your staff’s physical and mental wellbeing is safeguarded, which means less absences for your business.
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