Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
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The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations require employers to assess and reduce risks for employees who regularly use display screen equipment, such as computers, laptops and tablets. The aim is to prevent musculoskeletal problems, eye strain and fatigue.
A DSE user is someone who uses display screen equipment daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more, as a significant part of their normal work.
Yes. Employers have the same duty of care for employees working at home or in hybrid roles as they do for office-based staff. Home workstations must be assessed and risks managed appropriately.
Yes. Employers have the same duty of care for employees working at home or in hybrid roles as they do for office-based staff. Home workstations must be assessed and risks managed appropriately.
• A new employee starts • An employee changes workstation or location • There are significant changes to equipment or work setup • An employee reports discomfort or health concerns • Regular review ensures ongoing compliance.
Yes. Shared or hot-desking workstations must still be assessed. Employers must ensure that risks are controlled for all users, even in flexible workspaces.
Yes, if they are used for prolonged periods as part of daily work. Additional equipment such as separate keyboards, mice or laptop risers may be required to reduce risk.
Yes. Employers must provide eye and eyesight tests for DSE users upon request and contribute towards corrective appliances required specifically for DSE work.
A DSE assessment evaluates: • Workstation setup (chair, desk, screen, keyboard, mouse) • Posture and positioning • Work environment (lighting, temperature, space, layout) • Work patterns and breaks • The goal is to identify risks and implement practical improvements.
Yes, if the assessment includes training. Online self-assessments are a common and effective way to gather information and promote user awareness. Higher-risk cases may require virtual or onsite follow-up support.
Where issues are identified, employers must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk. This may include equipment adjustments, additional training, or providing ergonomic accessories.
Yes, particularly where issues or risks are identified. While self-assessments are common, any flagged concerns, ongoing discomfort or complex cases should be reviewed by a competent DSE assessor to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Employers should retain clear records to demonstrate compliance, including: • Completed DSE assessments • Actions taken to reduce risks • Equipment provided • Review and reassessment dates • Maintaining accurate documentation helps evidence legal compliance and effective risk management.
Yes. Employers should keep records to demonstrate compliance and show that risks have been properly assessed and addressed.
Ergonomic workstation set-up
To set up an ergonomic workstation correctly, adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are level with or slightly below your hips. Position your monitor at eye level, about an arm’s length away. Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough so your elbows stay at roughly 90 degrees and your shoulders remain relaxed. Proper setup helps reduce back pain, neck strain and wrist discomfort.
A DSE user is someone who uses display screen equipment daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more, as a significant part of their normal work.
Your monitor should be positioned to align your eyes with the top of the document. This allows you to look slightly downward at the screen without bending your neck. The screen should be approximately an arm’s length away to reduce eye strain and encourage good posture.
The ideal monitor distance is roughly 50–70 cm (about arm’s length). If you find yourself leaning forward to read the screen, adjust the distance or increase text size instead of changing your posture.
Your keyboard should be directly in front of you, with your elbows bent at around 90 degrees. The mouse should be positioned close to the keyboard to prevent overreaching. Wrists should remain straight and not bent upwards or sideways while typing.
Working on a laptop for extended periods can increase the risk of neck and shoulder strain because the screen and keyboard are attached. For prolonged use, it’s recommended to use a separate keyboard and mouse, along with a laptop riser or stand to raise the screen to eye level.
To create an ergonomic home workstation, use a stable desk and supportive chair where possible. Ensure the top of the document is at eye level, your feet are supported, and your keyboard and mouse allow relaxed arm positioning. If working at a dining table temporarily, aim to replicate good posture principles and avoid prolonged laptop-only use.
• Ensure the viewing range is comfortable. • Adjust screen brightness to match the room • Reduce glare from windows or overhead lighting • Blink regularly to prevent dry eyes • Employers may also provide eye tests for regular DSE users.
Short, frequent breaks are better than infrequent long ones. Stand, stretch or move around every 30–60 minutes. Changing posture regularly helps reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort.
Neither prolonged sitting nor prolonged standing is ideal. The key is movement and variation. Sit-stand desks can be beneficial if used correctly, allowing you to alternate positions throughout the day
Common signs of poor ergonomic setup include: • Neck or shoulder pain • Lower back discomfort • Wrist or forearm pain • Frequent headaches • Eye strain or blurred vision • If symptoms persist, a workstation assessment is recommended.
Yes, Under the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations, employers must carry out workstation assessments for employees who regularly use display screen equipment. Assessments help identify risks and ensure proper ergonomic setup.
Home, Hybrid and Hot-desk working
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers have the same legal duty of care for hybrid workers as they do for office-based staff. If an employee regularly uses display screen equipment at home and in the office, both work environments must be assessed.
Yes. Employers are responsible for ensuring that home workstations are safe and compliant when employees work there as part of their job. This includes carrying out a suitable DSE assessment and reducing identified risks.
Yes. Each regular work location should be assessed. This may be done through a combined hybrid assessment covering both environments, but risks in both the home and office must be considered.
If an employee reports pain or discomfort, the employer must review the DSE assessment and take reasonable steps to reduce the risk. This may involve equipment adjustments, providing additional accessories, or arranging a more detailed assessment.
Under DSE regulations, employers must ensure risks are reduced for employees working from home. This may include providing suitable equipment such as: • A separate keyboard and mouse • A laptop riser or monitor • A supportive chair • A footrest (if needed) • Additional accessories to reduce strain • Employers must also provide information, training and access to eye tests for eligible DSE users.
If space is limited, aim to create the safest setup possible within your environment. Use a stable table rather than working from a sofa or bed. Raise your screen to eye level where possible and avoid prolonged laptop-only use. Even small adjustments — such as improving chair support or adding a separate keyboard — can significantly reduce strain. If discomfort persists, a workstation assessment should be arranged to explore practical solutions.
The employer remains legally responsible. Even though desks are shared, employers must ensure workstations are suitable, adjustable and safe for different users.
Yes, if they qualify as DSE users (regular screen use for sustained periods). Assessments can be completed via self-assessment, supported by guidance on how to correctly set up shared workstations.
• Good range of adjustability • Train your workers to set up the desk at the start of the day • Chair adjustability and lumbar support • Desk height and layout • Monitor positioning • Keyboard and mouse setup • Lighting and surrounding environment • The goal is to ensure the workstation can be safely adjusted to suit different users.
• Adjust chair height to ensure feet are flat on the floor or use a footrest • Adjust the backrest for support to the entire back • Position the monitor for top of document to be at eye level • Position the keyboard to adopt 90-degree arm position • Keep mouse close to side of keyboard to maintain relaxed shoulders • Avoid leaning forward or perching • Providing quick-start ergonomic guidance helps reduce risk.
It can, particularly if workstations are not properly adjustable or users are not trained in correct setup. Without clear processes, employees may not adjust equipment properly, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Management and Compliance
To roll out DSE assessments organisation-wide, use a structured and consistent process. This typically involves: • Identifying who qualifies as a DSE user • Implementing an assessment process most appropriate for your business i.e. online, in person etc • Providing clear guidance and training • Establishing a process for reviewing flagged risks • Scheduling periodic review cycles
Compliance should be tracked through a system that records: • Assessment completion rates • Identified risks and actions taken • Outstanding follow-ups • Review dates
For internal or external audits, organisations should be able to demonstrate: • A documented DSE assessment process • Completed assessments for all relevant employees • Evidence of risk reduction measures • Records of training provided • Review and reassessment timelines • Clear reporting helps show that DSE risks are actively managed rather than treated as a one-off exercise.
For remote and international teams, a scalable online assessment process is essential. This should include: • Self-assessment tools which include training • Clear ergonomic guidance • A process for virtual follow-up where required • Consistent documentation across regions • Local legal requirements should also be considered where employees are based outside the UK.
To reduce liability risk, organisations should: • Conduct suitable and sufficient DSE assessments • Act promptly on identified risks • Provide appropriate equipment and training • Maintain clear documentation • Review assessments regularly • Demonstrating a proactive and well-managed approach significantly reduces exposure to claims relating to musculoskeletal injuries or workplace negligence.
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