Working Safely with Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

  1. DSE Overview
  2. Workstation Assessments
  3. Posture and Ergonomic Setup
  4. Breaks and Work Routines
  5. Eye Tests and Screen Use
  6. Training and Employee Information
  7. Pregnancy and Epilepsy Guidance

                                                                                                                                                  

Protect health, boost comfort, and meet legal requirements for screen-based work.

If you or your team use screens like PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones for long periods each day, you’re classified as a DSE user under UK Health & Safety law. That means employers are legally required to assess and reduce the health risks of using display screen equipment (DSE).

At Healthy Home & Office, we help individuals, employers, and office managers create safer, healthier workspaces — whether in a traditional office, at home, or somewhere in between.

What is Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?

DSE refers to any screen-based device used for work, including:

  • Desktop computers and monitors
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to anyone using screens daily for an hour or more at a time. These workers are known as DSE users.

The regulations cover:

  • Office workers at desks
  • Home-based and hybrid workers
  • Mobile staff who work on devices
  • Shared-desk (hot-desking) users

If you're responsible for others — or spend long hours at a screen yourself — it’s important to follow best practice and understand your responsibilities.

Why DSE Safety Matters

Without proper setup or support, screen-based work can lead to:

  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Eye strain and visual fatigue
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
  • Discomfort, poor posture, and reduced productivity

These symptoms are common, often preventable, and can develop gradually. Many people don’t realise that small workstation changes can make a huge difference.

Employer Responsibilities

If you employ DSE users, you have legal duties to:

Carry out a DSE workstation assessment

Reduce risks through changes to setup, routine, or environment

Offer an eye test on request

Providing DSE training and information to all users

These requirements apply regardless of where your employees are based — office, home, hybrid, or mobile.

Need support? Book a DSE assessment with our team ›

DSE Risk Topics – Explore More

We’ve broken down each key area of DSE safety into dedicated guides, so you can dive deeper into the areas that matter most to you:

DSE Workstation Assessments

What to assess, when it’s required, and how to make meaningful changes.

Ergonomic Posture Guide

How to sit well, set up your screen and chair, and avoid common posture problems.

Breaks and Work Routines

Plan your screen time to reduce fatigue and stay focused throughout the day.

DSE Eye Tests and Vision Support

Understand your obligations and how to reduce visual strain.

Training & Information for DSE Users

What training employers must offer, and how to support users with the right knowledge.

Pregnancy, Epilepsy & Other Health Considerations

Extra guidance for employees with specific medical concerns.

How Healthy Home & Office Can Help

We offer a complete range of solutions to support DSE users and employers:

Whether you're fitting out a small home office or managing health compliance for a team, we’re here to help.

Call us or email today to discuss your needs.

Let’s create a healthier way to work — one screen at a time.

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