Almost everyone uses screens daily — but in the workplace, there’s a formal category for these devices known as display screen equipment (DSE). Understanding what this includes—and its wider ergonomic implications—is essential for employee health, safety, and productivity.

Under UK law, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines DSE as “any alphanumeric or graphic display screen” — this includes desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, and similar devices used for work.

However, in an ergonomics context, DSE goes beyond screens. The tools, furniture, environment, and how the equipment is used all matter.

What Counts as Display Screen Equipment?

When assessing display screen equipment ergonomically, the screen itself is only one part of the picture. To fully understand the risks and how to mitigate them, we need to consider all the elements that contribute to the way the equipment is used.

This includes:

• Input devices like keyboards, mice, trackpads, and graphic tablets
• Work surfaces such as desks and workbenches
• Seating arrangements, especially office chairs
• Lighting and glare in the workspace
• Posture, movement, and screen positioning
• Environmental factors, including temperature and noise

DSE ergonomics is ultimately about how human bodies interact with digital tools, and how to make that interaction as safe and comfortable as possible.

If someone is using a screen at work, their entire workstation setup can affect their health and safety.

What Is a DSE User?

Generally speaking, anyone who uses display screen equipment can be classed as a DSE user, but from a regulatory point of view, a DSE user is defined as anyone who regularly uses display screen equipment for work — typically for an hour or more at a time, daily. This could include:

• Office-based staff
• Hybrid or remote workers
• Lab technicians and healthcare professionals
• Security operators and CCTV staff
• Designers, editors, and developers
• Receptionists, students, and customer service workers

In short: if someone uses a screen consistently and for extended periods as part of their job, they’re considered a DSE user under the DSE regulations.

Is DSE Only Used in Offices?

While offices may be the first work environment that springs to mind when thinking about display screen equipment, DSE is a staple of several other professional settings, meaning DSE risk extends beyond office work.

Display screen equipment is used across:

• Home workspaces
• Broadcast and recording studios
• Control rooms and security booths
• Retail environments
• Hospitality and front desks
• Medical settings and laboratories

Take DSE equipment out of an office, and it’s still DSE equipment, and the person doing the work is still a DSE user. Wherever screen-based work takes place, DSE applies — and so does an employer’s responsibilities under the display screen equipment regulations.

What Are the Display Screen Equipment Regulations?

The UK’s Display Screen Equipment Regulations (1992) are designed to protect workers from the health risks associated with prolonged screen use. These regulations apply to all DSE users and outline specific obligations for both employers and employees.

Employer responsibilities:

• Carry out DSE assessments for each user
• Minimise risks through workstation adjustments
• Provide suitable DSE training
• Offer eye tests and contribute to glasses if needed
• Monitor and review workstation setups regularly

Employee responsibilities:

• Follow DSE training and guidance
• Report discomfort or issues early
• Adjust their own workstation setup
• Take breaks and change activity regularly

The Risks of DSE Use

Working with screens might seem low-risk — but without the right setup, DSE can lead to:

• Poor posture and long-term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Mental fatigue, stress, and reduced focus
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Wrist and hand strain
• Eye fatigue and headaches

Because many of these symptoms develop slowly, they’re often overlooked until productivity drops or someone is forced to take time off work to recover. MSDs are particularly prevalent in UK workplaces and beyond, costing billions in lost revenue each year.

As DSE risks aren’t always obvious, it’s crucial that employers book regular DSE assessments.

Find out how often DSE assessment should be carried out.

Our experienced DSE assessors flag all risks related to how an employee interacts with their DSE workstation, giving both employees and employers the data they need to launch effective, targeted interventions. Book your next DSE assessment.

Reducing Risk: DSE Tips for Employees

Good DSE practice isn’t just about rules — it’s about building habits that reduce strain and support health. Here are a few ways employees can take care of themselves while using DSE:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Stand up to take calls or stretch between tasks
• Walk to a colleague rather than email
• Keep the top of your screen at eye level
• Sit back in your chair with feet flat on the floor (or on a footrest)
• Use natural light where possible and avoid screen glare

For employers, often the most important factor in reducing injuries and discomfort at work is to organise DSE training.

What is DSE Training?

DSE training helps employees understand how to use their screen-based equipment safely. It covers area ssuch as:

• Best practices for setting up a safe workstation
• How to spot and avoid ergonomic risks
• How to take effective breaks
• Why posture and movement matter
• What to do if discomfort occurs

Training can be in-person or online — but should be tailored to each role and environment.

DSE Support from Cardinus

Healthy Working is our end-to-end DSE software, combining eLearning, self-assessments, and a central management module to deliver personalised, practical training that helps employees reduce risk and employers stay compliant.

Customisable for any workstation, Healthy Working is proven to reduce injuries at work by up to 80% and bring the costs of managing DSE risk down by as much as 90%.

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Final Thoughts

Display screen equipment is part of modern working life. And while it’s easy to overlook, poor setup can lead to real physical and mental strain.

By understanding what DSE is, who it applies to, and what your legal duties are, you can build healthier, safer workplaces. With tailored DSE support from Cardinus, protecting your people becomes easier and more effective. Contact us today to discuss your DSE requirements.