Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Safety

Announcement

The online Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment will permanently close on MySafety on Friday 24^th July 2026. A new module will ‘go live’ in CPD Learning from 10^th August 2026.

If you have any issues with your DSE set-up during this period, please contact your H&S Advisor

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Safety

DSE equipment and its operation should conform with the requirements set out in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2002). A DSE assessment is vital for anyone who uses display screen equipment as part of their job.

It’s inevitable that bodies will change, habits will develop, chairs will deteriorate, and monitors will be moved around. It’s for these naturally occurring reason DSE assessments should be carried out every three years and for when there is:

New and returning employees
Change of location or workstation, equipment, role, working patterns.
Where the DSE User is a new or expectant mother.
Following any DSE-related accidents/incidents reported by the DSE User.

It is Queen Mary policy that all staff using DSE as part of their work should complete the online assessment module. DSE typically includes a desk, computer/laptop/other similar devices and its accessories (e.g. chair).

The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment

The online DSE tutorial for staff and is designed to give DSE users the necessary information to carry out a self-assessment of their workstation.

The DSE Assessment is located in the Mandatory Training section of CPD Training.
During the assessment staff will learn how to set up their display screen equipment correctly and will be guided on how to do this as the assessment progresses.
Once the assessment is complete staff will complete short leaner understanding quiz, once passed they can download a completion certificate.
Please note that you will need to follow local rules on who is informed of completion and how. Your Line Manager, Safety Coordinator and the Health & Safety Directorate are not automatically notified of completion.
A reminder to repeat the DSE assessment in 3 years’ time will be set by the system.

On completion of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment

You require new / replacement Display Screen Equipment

All required/additional display screen equipment such as chairs, footrests etc. are purchased through schools/institutes/departments, please speak with your line manager about this. The purchasing of equipment does not require prior approval by HSD, although we are happy to take a look at what you would like to purchase before you do so.

You have underlying health conditions that may affect DSE adjustments/require specific equipment

Your Line Manager can refer you to Occupational Health via the Occupational Health Dashboard. Preliminary enquiries about an appointment can be made by emailing qmulstaff@ohworks.co.uk

You have headaches and eye strain and/or aches and pains in the neck, back and upper limbs

It may take approximately 2 weeks for you see in any results from the changes made to your DSE following this tutorial. If, however, you continue or start to experience the following symptoms we would encourage you to visit GP or Occupational Health for advice.

Completion of this module is a requirement to obtain an eye care (Specsavers) voucher. Details of how to obtain a voucher can be found in the Eye Care Vouchers section below.

Selecting and Purchasing DSE

Display Screen Equipment must meet regulatory requirements and be both appropriate to the office and the person using the equipment. Before equipment is purchased / used please check out our guidance on Obtaining Correct Office Equipment.

When requesting any equipment that improves your working conditions but is not a health and safety requirement (e.g., an additional screen), you do not need to complete a workstation assessment. Staff should discuss these requests with their line manager. It is each School’s responsibility to then manage these requests accordingly.

Eye care Vouchers

All QMUL staff and postgraduate research students on payroll, who qualify as DSE Users (see 5.2 of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy, Arrangements and Guidance for definition) are entitled to a DSE eye care voucher. The voucher allows you to redeem a free eye and eyesight test as well as a £49 contribution to single vision (middle distance / computer use) lenses. Please note, bifocals/varifocals are not covered under the policy.

Driver’s eyecare

QMUL staff who need to drive as part of their role can claim a driver’s eye care voucher which entitles them to prescription glasses for driving. After submitting a request for the voucher, we will request confirmation of the part of your job description that covers driving.

Requesting a voucher

To obtain an eye care voucher, please complete the Specsavers Eye Care Voucher Request Form. The vouchers will be emailed directly to you from Specsavers.

Please note safety spectacles for laboratory users are not covered within the eyecare scheme. For further information you should refer to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy which can be found on the PPE webpage.

Further Information

Primary legislation

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Health and Safety Executive

Working safely with display screen equipment

Queen Mary Documents

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Online Assessment Content

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment Completion Flow Chart

Employee Eye Care Scheme

Display Screen Equipment Policy

Hybrid Working Policy

Key Health & Safety Contacts