Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy Writers

What are Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policies?

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) policies outline how organisations manage the risks associated with the use of computer screens and other display equipment to protect employees’ health, comfort and productivity.

These policies help employers comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, ensuring that workstations are assessed and that users are supported with appropriate training and equipment.

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What Do DSE Policies Cover?

A DSE policy typically includes:

• Identification of DSE users, including home and hybrid workers

• Risk assessments for workstations and equipment setup

• Guidance on posture, screen height, lighting and desk layout

• Provision of suitable chairs, keyboards, monitors and footrests

• Eye tests and support for corrective lenses if required

• Breaks and changes of activity to reduce physical strain

• Links to health and safety, remote working and wellbeing policies

A clear policy ensures that all employees who regularly use display screen equipment are protected from discomfort, eye strain, repetitive strain injury (RSI) and longer-term musculoskeletal issues.

It also demonstrates that the organisation takes a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing, reducing the risk of injury, absenteeism or potential claims.

With more staff working remotely or in agile setups, DSE assessments are vital beyond traditional office environments. Regular reviews help ensure that all workstations - whether at home or on-site - remain safe and suitable.

By embedding good practices in the setup and use of DSE, organisations can improve employee comfort, support productivity and meet their legal obligations effectively.

Legal Basis

The framework is the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended), supported by HSE's L26 Approved Code of Practice.

Employers must analyse workstations of "users", reduce identified risks, plan work to break up screen time, and provide eye and eyesight tests on request.

Hybrid and home working has expanded the population of DSE users substantially since 2020. The Regulations apply equally to home workstations.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

• Self-assessment forms not reviewed by a competent person.
• Home workstation assessments skipped despite the regulations applying.
• Eye-test entitlement undocumented in the policy or HR system.
• Equipment provided ad-hoc with no inventory or replacement cycle.
• Pregnant workers and disabled workers not assessed for additional adjustments.

What Policy Pros Delivers

Our DSE Policy package includes the main policy, a self-assessment form, a home-working DSE addendum, an eye-test entitlement procedure, a manager review framework, and integration with the homeworking and reasonable-adjustments policies.