Display screen equipment (DSE) policies: guidance and examples

Display screen equipment (DSE) policies are non-statutory. You're not legally required to have one, but it's a good idea if your staff regularly use DSE. 

Read guidance on the use of DSE

Any employee who habitually uses DSE in the workplace is considered a 'user'.

Regular users have the right to eye tests on request, and special spectacles if needed.

This is according to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (see sections 1 and 5). 

Good practice guidelines from HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that:

• Forearms should be approximately horizontal and the user’s eyes should be the same height as the top of the screen
• Excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of legs and knees should be avoided
• A computer mouse should be within easy reach, so it can be used with a straight wrist
• Individual characters on screens should be sharp, and in focus, without flickering