Understanding Employers' Responsibilities for DSE Risk Management

This guide explores the legal, moral, and economic aspects of managing Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risks in the workplace under the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.

Legal Obligations for DSE Risk Management

Employers are legally required to manage and assess DSE risks to protect the health of their employees. While DSE work is not inherently dangerous, risks can be mitigated with proper practices.

Effective DSE Practices

Key practices include:

• Setting up workstations correctly.
• Following effective usage practices.
• Taking breaks during prolonged DSE use.

Consequences of Breaching DSE Regulations

Non-compliance can lead to:

• Fines and enforcement notices.
• Civil actions and, in severe cases, imprisonment.

Conducting DSE Risk Assessments

Employers must evaluate all elements related to DSE use:

• This includes furniture, computer equipment, software, and the overall working environment.
• The HSE checklist is a valuable resource for these assessments.

Economic and Reputation Implications for Businesses

Poor adherence to DSE guidelines can have significant financial and reputational impacts:

• Costs associated with staff absence, temporary hires, or compensation for DSE-related injuries.
• Increased insurance premiums.
• Decreased production or service quality, affecting customer trust and business reputation.

Investing in Employee Safety and Business Sustainability

In the era of evolving technology, employers must ensure employee safety and protect their business by investing in suitable equipment and adhering to DSE guidelines.