What Is Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Safety?
DSE safety is about more than just sitting at a computer. It covers how your entire workstation, posture, and screen habits affect your body and eyesight.
Understanding is the first step; then comes putting it into practice. For employees, our DSE Employee Guide: How to Use a Screen Safely offers simple advice on how to work comfortably and spot early signs of strain.
Let’s start by looking at the health risks linked with poor DSE setup.
Common Health Risks Linked to DSE Work
Using display screen equipment for long periods without breaks or good posture can cause several issues. The most common are:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): Affecting the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): From small, repeated movements such as typing or mouse use.
Eye strain and headaches: Caused by glare, poor lighting, or lack of screen breaks.
Mental fatigue and stress: Often linked to long periods of static work.
These conditions don’t usually appear overnight. They develop gradually, which makes early prevention essential. Simple steps like adjusting your chair, keeping the monitor at eye level, and taking regular screen breaks make a big difference.
Good Posture and Ergonomics: The Foundation of DSE Safety
Ergonomics is about fitting the workstation to the person, not forcing your body to adapt to the setup.
A few basic adjustments can help maintain a neutral posture, reducing pressure on your spine and joints:
Keep your back supported and shoulders relaxed.
Adjust your chair height so your feet are flat on the floor.
Keep your screen roughly at arm’s length and at eye level.
Rest your wrists in line with your forearms when typing.
Poor posture can lead to chronic pain, so it’s important to get it right early. A workstation assessment helps identify problems before they turn into injuries.
Employers should regularly review these setups, whether in the office or at home. Our DSE Working from Home: A Health and Safety Guide covers how to stay safe in remote and hybrid settings.
Understanding DSE Regulations (UK)
The Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to manage and reduce the risks of DSE use.
If an employee uses a screen for an hour or more daily as part of their role, they are considered a DSE user, meaning these regulations apply.
Employers must:
Carry out DSE risk assessments.
Provide information, training, and eye tests.
Make reasonable adjustments where needed.
Employees, meanwhile, must follow safe practices and report any discomfort or issues promptly.
For a detailed explanation of what the law requires, check our Guide to Display Screen Equipment Regulations.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
The regulations outline shared responsibilities; a partnership between employer and employee to maintain safe DSE use.
Employer Duties | Employee Duties |
|---|
Conduct DSE workstation assessments | Follow training and workstation guidance |
Reduce and control risks | Use the workstation safely |
Provide training and information | Report pain or discomfort |
Offer eye tests and contribute to DSE glasses | Take regular screen breaks |
Employers must also ensure that DSE assessors are trained and competent. More detail can be found in our DSE Regulations: A Practical Guide for Employers.
Legal Requirements for Businesses
Under UK law, businesses must complete a suitable and sufficient DSE assessment for every DSE user, including office staff, home workers, and hybrid teams.
This assessment should identify risks linked to posture, equipment setup, or the work environment. It must be reviewed regularly, especially if:
Failure to meet these duties could lead to HSE enforcement, including improvement notices or fines. But more importantly, it can damage employee health and morale.
