HSE acronyms explained: DSE

In recent months, we have been exploring some of the more common acronyms used in health and safety, and today we have one of the most prevalent: DSE, short for Display Screen Equipment.

In our digital age, DSE is one of the most common health and safety considerations for many businesses. DSE requirements apply where people use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work (often taken as a practical indicator as around an hour or more a day). Where this applies, the risks should be assessed and managed.

This includes whether they work on site, at home, hot desk or are mobile workers.

 

Why is DSE health and safety important?

There are a wide range of issues that can arise from unmanaged DSE use. These include musculoskeletal problems linked to poor posture and workstation set-up; risks associated with sedentary work where insufficient breaks or changes of activity are taken; eye strain; and discomfort such as headaches. Workstation setups can also create general hazards such as trip risks from trailing cables.

A DSE workstation assessment should take these hazards into account and identify practical controls, wherever the workplace environment may be.

The top mitigation measures for DSE risks

The good news is that most of the mitigation measures for DSE are relatively simple to effect and will have a highly positive impact on the work environment.

Equipment positioning – The top of the screen should be roughly at eye level (so you are not consistently looking up or down). The desk should be at a height where forearms are comfortably supported, and you do not have to twist your back or neck to type and view the screen. The chair should allow the knees to bend at around a right angle with thighs supported and should provide adequate back support. A cushion may help support the lower back.

Work breaks – There is no single prescribed schedule for breaks or task rotation, as every job is different. However, work should be planned so DSE users can take regular breaks or changes of activity. As a rough guide, frequent short breaks are often better than longer breaks less often (for example, five minutes an hour rather than 20 minutes every two hours).

Eyesight – Employers must provide a full eye and eyesight test for DSE users if they request one and pay for the test. If the test shows an employee needs special corrective appliances specifically for DSE work (for example, screen-distance glasses), the employer must provide and pay for a basic pair for that purpose. This can be done by reimbursing employees as needed or by arranging a programme with a nominated optician.

 

Other DSE considerations

Don’t forget home workers – out of sight should not be out of mind. You don’t usually need to visit their home, but you can talk them through the risks, review how their workstation is set up, and help address any shortfalls. Assessments should be revisited if there are significant changes (for example, new equipment, a change of location, a change of role, or discomfort being reported).

Training and information can help demonstrate that you manage DSE risk within your business and that staff know how to set up their workstation and report issues. We also offer an eLearning solution if you would like to discuss options.

Guidance indicates that DSE work does not increase risks to unborn children. However, individual needs can change during pregnancy, so it remains important to review comfort, posture and breaks as part of a DSE assessment. For conditions such as epilepsy or other health concerns, consider individual circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate.

 

What do the statistics tell us?

The HSE’s most recent annual statistics don’t report directly on DSE but they do tell us that just over half a million workers were suffering with a musculoskeletal condition in 2024/25. Many of these will not be linked to DSE. In fact, construction is the most at risk industry for these conditions where you would imagine the majority is not DSE related. But not far behind in third place is “admin and support services” where you would expect there is a stronger link. The rate of cases is approaching 2,000 per 100,000 workers – much higher than the average across all industries.

 

Help from The H&S Dept

We are here to help you with DSE workstation assessments and advising on practical mitigation measures if you need it. Our team can help identify proportionate controls to reduce risk. And don’t forget about our DSE safety eLearning course – it offers great value and will help keep you and your team safe.