What is HSG90?
HSG90 "The law on VDUs: An easy guide" explains the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended). These regulations protect employees who regularly use computers, laptops, tablets, and other display screen equipment as a significant part of their work.
The guidance helps employers understand their duties to assess workstations, provide eye tests, and ensure DSE users can work safely without risking musculoskeletal problems or eye strain.
Who Needs This Document?
This guidance applies to all employers whose staff use display screen equipment, including:
- Office-based businesses with computer users
- Organisations with remote/hybrid workers using laptops at home
- Call centres and customer service operations
- Any workplace where employees regularly use computers, tablets, or similar devices
- Managers responsible for office layouts and equipment
- HR professionals arranging DSE assessments
The regulations apply to "users" - employees who use DSE for continuous periods of an hour or more on most working days.
Key Topics Covered
Who is a "DSE User"?
An employee is a DSE user if they:
- Use DSE more or less continuously for an hour or more at a time
- Do this on a daily basis
- Have to transfer information quickly to or from the screen
- Need to apply high levels of attention and concentration
Occasional or short-term use does not make someone a "user" under the regulations.
Workstation Assessment
Employers must assess workstations used by DSE users to identify risks:
Equipment factors:
- Screen position, size, and image quality
- Keyboard and mouse placement
- Chair adjustability and support
- Desk space and height
Environmental factors:
- Lighting and glare
- Noise and distractions
- Temperature and humidity
- Space around the workstation
Software and task factors:
- Software usability
- Work pace and task variety
- Training needs
For detailed assessment guidance, see our DSE assessment guide.
Eye and Eyesight Tests
Employers must provide:
- Eye tests on request from DSE users
- Further tests at regular intervals if the initial test recommends it
- Special corrective appliances (glasses) if normal glasses are unsuitable and special ones are needed specifically for DSE work
Note: Employers are not required to pay for glasses needed for general use - only "special" DSE glasses if prescribed specifically for screen work.
Workstation Requirements
The regulations set minimum requirements for workstations:
Display screen:
- Clear, stable image
- Adjustable brightness and contrast
- Tilt and swivel adjustment
- No reflective glare
Keyboard:
- Separate from screen (for prolonged use)
- Tiltable with matt surface
- Space for hands to rest in front
Work surface:
- Adequate size for equipment and documents
- Low reflectance surface
- Document holder if needed
Chair:
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable back support
- Stable with castors for hard floors
- Footrest if needed
Breaks and Activity Changes
DSE users should not work at screens continuously for long periods. Employers should plan work to include:
- Regular breaks or changes of activity
- Short, frequent breaks rather than longer, infrequent ones
- User control over when to take breaks where possible
Home and Hybrid Working
The DSE Regulations apply equally to employees working from home. Employers must:
- Assess home workstations
- Provide equipment if home setups are inadequate
- Ensure employees understand how to set up their workstation
- Address any issues identified in assessments
How This Applies to You
Step 1: Identify DSE Users
Review your workforce to identify who qualifies as a DSE user:
- Do they use screens for an hour or more at a time?
- Is this a regular, daily part of their job?
- Consider office staff, remote workers, and mobile workers
Step 2: Conduct Workstation Assessments
For each DSE user:
- Provide a self-assessment questionnaire or conduct an assessment
- Identify any problems with the workstation setup
- Take action to resolve issues
- Record the assessment and actions taken
- Review periodically or when circumstances change
Use our DSE assessment guide for step-by-step help.
Step 3: Provide Eye Tests
- Inform DSE users of their right to eye tests
- Arrange tests on request (employer pays)
- Provide special DSE glasses if prescribed and normal glasses are unsuitable
Step 4: Provide Training and Information
Ensure DSE users know:
- How to adjust their workstation
- The importance of good posture
- When and how to take breaks
- How to report problems
- Their right to eye tests
Step 5: Address Home Workers
For employees working from home:
- Conduct home workstation assessments
- Provide equipment if needed (chair, monitor, keyboard, etc.)
- Give guidance on setting up a safe home workstation
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Screen too low | Use monitor stand or arm; never use laptop screen as main display for prolonged work |
| Glare on screen | Reposition screen, use blinds, adjust lighting |
| Chair uncomfortable | Adjust height and back support; consider different chair |
| Keyboard too high | Lower desk or raise chair (use footrest if needed) |
| No breaks | Build break reminders into work routine; vary tasks |
Related Guidance
- DSE topic guide - Overview of display screen equipment requirements
- DSE assessment guide - How to conduct assessments
- Upper limb disorders (HSG60) - Related musculoskeletal guidance
- Seating at work (HSG57) - Chair and seating requirements
- Lighting at work (HSG38) - Lighting for screen work
- Workplace safety - General employer duties
Official HSE guidance: DSE guidance on HSE website