Health and Safety Executive

Regulations and guidance

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations came into force on 1st January 1993 (some minor changes were made in 2002).They seek to protect the health of workers by reducing risks from VDU work. Briefly, the Regulations require employers to:

  • Analyse workstations to assess and reduce risks
  • Ensure workstations meet specified minimum requirements
  • Plan work activities so that they include breaks or changes of activity
  • Provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and special spectacles if needed.
  • Provide information and training.

Our free downloadable leaflet Working with VDUs (INDG36) gives a good introduction to the Regulations.

For more detailed information you may wish to buy one of the following:

This is the booklet HSE recommends for most employers who have staff using standard VDUs in offices. It gives practical guidance, in plain language, on how to comply with the Regulations with a minimum of effort and expense. It is illustrated in colour and includes a checklist for workstation assessment.

This booklet in HSE’s Legal series gives comprehensive guidance on interpretation of each part of the Regulations. It includes the text of the Regulations themselves, including the 2002 amendments. It will be of most interest to employers who need to check the detail of particular requirements, or anyone who wants advice on application of the Regulations to display screen equipment other than ordinary VDUs in offices.

Quick links

Directgov - Business Link

Updated 02.02.10