Display Screen Equipment

The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment ) (DSE) Regulations apply to staff that habitually use DSE for a significant part of their normal work. In most cases problems do not arise directly from DSE themselves, but from the way in which they are used and are usually solved by providing ergonomic solutions. 

Under the regulations the legal definitions of a user and workstation are: 

"user" - "means an employee who habitually uses DSE as a significant part of their normal work". Where this description does not apply, employers still have general obligations to protect staff that use DSE. 

"workstation" - "means an assembly comprising of DSE, any optional accessories to the DSE, any other equipment peripheral to the DSE and the immediate work environment around the DSE". 

Employers have a legal duty to undertake a Risk Assessment for both the users of DSE and their workstation. 

Employers must inform their staff of the risks arising from the use of DSE, for example prolonged use without breaks. They must provide information, instruction and training on the correct use of DSE. 

Caution: This statement gives basic information on health and safety. Please contact the Advice Line for specific advice. Contact Us.