UK Display Screen Equipment Awareness Training Guide

              

UK Display Screen Equipment Awareness Training Guide

Display screen equipment awareness training is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Regulation 6 requires employers to provide workers with adequate information and training before they start regular DSE work, and again when equipment, software, or the way work is organised changes. Adequate training means instruction that enables staff to set up a safe workstation, recognise risks and apply simple controls when using workstations to reduce risks.

What effective DSE training must cover

A good course starts with the essentials: legal duties, common hazards and health effects, correct workstation setup, how to self-assess and guidance on breaks and eye tests. Employers should expect learners to complete a self-risk check, adjust a workstation to reduce strain, and recognise when to report issues for further action.

Online DSE training modules commonly run for about an hour, include short quizzes and issue an instant certificate.

Fix the ergonomics

DSE training teaches learners how to identify hazards, evaluate likelihood and severity, and control risks with simple fixes or equipment changes. They learn how to prioritise fixes that immediately remove or reduce risk, then plan medium- and long-term actions which usually involve ordering additional equipment/furniture to improve their workstation ergonomics.

The following headings cover the main physical and organisational factors that affect DSE users.

• Screen
• Keyboard and mouse
• Chair and furniture
• Desk or work surface
• Environment: lighting and noise
• Work organisation and tasks

Stop repetitive strain: daily habits, breaks and exercises

Preventing repetitive strain starts with a practical break strategy recommended in HSE guidance. Aim for short microbreaks every 20 to 30 minutes and a five to ten-minute break each hour, or swap to a different task where possible.

Reduce strain through software and workflow changes that cut mouse time and awkward keying. Use keyboard shortcuts, text expansion, and voice recognition for longer drafting, and adjust display brightness and text size for legibility.