The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations:

• The regulations apply to all employees who use display screen equipment, including
  • at a fixed workstation
  • mobile workers
  • home workers
  • hot-desking

• Under the regulations, employers must
  • Protect workers who use DSE for continuous periods of an hour or more per day, whether working from home or in the office.
  • Ensure a workstation assessment is carried out for each employee. This can be done by self-assessment if the employee has the right information.
  • Take steps to reduce risks, including making sure workers take regular breaks away from DSE.
  • Provide yearly eye test if an employee requests one.
  • Provide training and information to employees

Poor health and safety management of employees using display screen equipment poses the following risks:

• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Musculoskeletal problems in
  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Arms
  • Wrists and hands
• Repetitive strain injuries and cumulative trauma
• Increased sickness absence and reduced performance

ONS report found a 31% increase in neck and back problems since 2019 amongst people signed off on long-term sick leave

• Head level with monitor
  • Adjust your chair height or use cushion
  • Elevate the screen using built-in heigh adjustment or a laptop riser or similar
  • Screen should be around an arms length away from eyes
• Relaxed shoulders, wrists straight
  • Use external keyboard and mouse if necessary
• Lower back support
  • Use a cushion to provide additional comfort if needed
• Foot support
  • Ensure chair is adjusted to a suitable height
  • Use a footrest or similar where necessary
• Legs and arms should bend at between 90 and 110 degrees
• Take regular breaks away from the screen for 5-10 minutes per hour

1. Top of screen level with eyes, about an arm's length away
2. Relax your shoulders - try to position yourself high enough so you don't need to shrug your shoulders
3. Keyboard just below elbow height
4. Seat height equally supports front and back of thighs (or use cushion to raise seated position)
5. Back of the seat provides good lower back support (or use cushion, to provide additional back support)
6. Gap of 2-3 cm between front of seat bottom and back of knee
7. Computer and screen directly in front of you on desk or other surface
8. Screen and keyboard central - don't twist your back

1. Keyboard and mouse separate from the laptop so screen can be elevated on a laptop riser or similar
2. Display screen separate from the laptop

Home workers don’t necessarily need dedicated office furniture. However, employers do need to ensure that home-working set-ups are comfortable and provide a sustainable posture for their employees. Where equipment is provided by an employer, they must ensure it is safe and suitable for use.

HSE – Work with display screen equipment 

HSE – Working with display screen equipment (DSE) A brief guide

HSE - Using DSE if you're pregnant or have epilepsy 

SOM – Home Working and Display Screen Equipment Factsheet 

HSE – Workstation checklist

CIEHR - Mobile Working Risk Management System