DSE Risk Assessment: A Guide for Employers and Home Workers

If your employees use computers, laptops, or other display screen equipment regularly, you have a legal duty to assess the risks. Here's what you need to know.

What Is DSE?

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) includes:

• Desktop computers and monitors
• Laptops and tablets
• Smartphones (if used for prolonged work)
• Other devices with display screens

DSE users are defined as those who:

• Use DSE for an hour or more continuously per day
• Use DSE daily for continuous periods
• Have to transfer information quickly to or from the screen

Legal Requirements

The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 require employers to:

1. Assess DSE workstations and reduce risks
2. Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements
3. Plan work to include breaks or changes of activity
4. Provide training and information
5. Provide eye tests and corrective appliances if needed

Who Needs a DSE Assessment?

All "DSE users" require an assessment, including:

• Office-based workers
• Home workers using company equipment
• Hot-desking staff (each workstation they use)
• Agency workers and contractors

Workstation Requirements

Display Screen

• Clear, readable characters
• Adjustable brightness and contrast
• Stable image (no flicker)
• Swivel and tilt capability
• Separate from keyboard

Keyboard

• Tiltable and detachable
• Space in front for hands to rest
• Matte surface to avoid glare
• Legible keys

Mouse or Trackball

• Positionable at the same level as keyboard
• Suitable for the task
• Alternative input devices available if needed

Work Surface

• Adequate space for equipment and documents
• Low-reflectance surface
• Stable
• Height-adjustable or fixed at appropriate height

Chair

• Height-adjustable
• Backrest adjustable for height and tilt
• Stable base (5 castors recommended)
• Footrest available if needed

Environment

• Adequate lighting without glare
• Adequate space
• Suitable temperature and humidity
• Low noise levels

How to Conduct a DSE Assessment

Step 1: Identify DSE Users

List all employees who use DSE regularly. Include:

• Job roles
• Time spent on DSE
• Location (office, home, hybrid)

Step 2: Provide a Self-Assessment Checklist

Give users a checklist to complete covering:

• Workstation setup
• Posture and comfort
• Lighting and glare
• Software usability
• Work patterns

Step 3: Review and Act

Based on the checklist:

• Identify problems
• Provide equipment adjustments
• Arrange training if needed
• Document actions taken

Step 4: Follow Up

• Check if issues are resolved
• Review after changes
• Reassess annually or when circumstances change

Common Issues and Solutions

| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Neck pain | Raise monitor to eye level | | Back pain | Adjust chair height and backrest | | Eye strain | Position screen at arm's length | | Wrist pain | Use keyboard tray, consider wrist rest | | Leg discomfort | Adjust chair, add footrest | | Glare on screen | Reposition screen, adjust blinds |

Home Working Considerations

With hybrid working now common, employers must assess home workstations too.

Home Worker Checklist

• Is there a suitable workspace?
• Is the chair and desk appropriate?
• Is lighting adequate?
• Are there any trip hazards from cables?
• Is the environment quiet enough?

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide or contribute to equipment
• Offer DSE training for home setup
• Ensure home assessments are completed
• Cover costs of eye tests and glasses if needed

Eye Tests and Glasses

Employers must:

• Provide free eye tests for DSE users on request
• Cover the cost of basic corrective glasses if needed specifically for DSE work
• Allow reasonable time off for tests

Note: You only need to pay for glasses if the prescription is specifically for DSE distance. If an employee needs glasses for general use, you don't have to pay.

Breaks and Changes of Activity

The regulations don't specify break durations, but best practice is:

• Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, infrequent ones
• 5-10 minutes away from the screen every hour
• Change of activity (e.g., phone calls, filing) counts as a break
• Micro-breaks to stretch and refocus eyes

Training Topics

DSE users should understand:

• The risks of DSE work
• How to set up their workstation
• The importance of breaks
• How to report problems
• Their entitlement to eye tests

Health Risks of Poor DSE Setup

Short-term Effects

• Eye strain and headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Stress

Long-term Effects

• Chronic musculoskeletal disorders
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• Vision problems

Summary

DSE assessments are straightforward but essential. A well-set-up workstation prevents discomfort and injury, improving productivity and wellbeing.

Next Steps

• Create a DSE risk assessment
• Learn about office risk assessments
• Read our guide to risk assessment templates