Display Screen Equipment regulations

Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director Â· Last reviewed 2026-06-22

~2 min read

Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director Â· Last reviewed 2026-06-22

Category: Loss control & prevention · Reviewed by Chrissie Anderson, Client Executive · Last reviewed

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2792, as amended), known as the DSE Regulations, impose duties on employers in respect of “users” of display screen equipment.

Definition of a “user”

A worker who habitually uses DSE as a significant part of their normal work — typically interpreted as more than one hour continuously per day, on most working days.

Employer duties

Workstation analysis (Regulation 2) — a risk assessment of each user’s workstation covering screen, keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, environment, software and the user’s posture and breaks.
Workstation compliance with the Schedule — minimum requirements set out in the Schedule to the Regulations (screen quality, keyboard separation, suitable chair, lighting, no glare).
Daily work routine (Regulation 4) — planned to include breaks or changes of activity.
Eye and eyesight tests (Regulation 5) — on request and at regular intervals; corrective appliances paid for by the employer where solely required for DSE work.
Information and training (Regulations 6 and 7).

Hybrid and home-working

Post-2020 hybrid and home-working has materially expanded the regulatory exposure. HSE guidance INDG36 makes clear the duty extends to home workstations used regularly. Employers should record the DSE assessment for each user’s home setup and provide remedy where deficient.

Insurance relevance

EL claims for upper limb disorders (RSI, CTS) and back pain remain a steady underwriting concern. Documented DSE assessment regimes are evidence of reasonable practice if claimed.

References

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2792).
HSE L26 — Display screen equipment work.
HSE INDG36 — Working with display screen equipment.

Cross-references

Maintained by Matt Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. FCA FRN 724952. Companies House 07014570.

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