Display Screen Equipment/Ergonomic Issues

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 aim to protect the health of people who work with DSE. The Regulations were introduced because DSE has become one of the most common kinds of work equipment. 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is a device or equipment that has an alphanumeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the display process involved; it includes both conventional display screens and those used in laptops, touch-screens and other similar devices.

Computer workstations or equipment can be associated with neck, shoulder, back or arm pain, as well as with fatigue and eyestrain. This can be avoided if you do the following:

  • Set up your work station properly
  • Avoid prolonged use.
  • Ensure that you take regular breaks. Frequent short breaks are better than infrequent longer ones; 5–10 minute breaks every hour are better than 20 minutes every 2 hours.

Cardinus Healthy Working Plus

The University is now using an online DSE Management system, Cardinus Healthy Working Plus to provide ergonomics training and enable DSE users to carry out a self-assessment.  The invitation to complete the Cardinus Healthy Working Plus program will be sent to you as part of your induction process.   Where you identify issues, you can’t resolve yourself, please ask for support and advice as required from your line Manager or the DSE Coordinators dse-assessments@eng.cam.ac.uk

DSE User Eyesight Test

As an employee (excluding agency staff, student and self-employed) you can request an eyesight test in relation to your work with display screen equipment, please complete this form (OHF33).  When completed you can forward to Occupational Health for reimbursement as applicable. Return your completed OHF33 and itemised receipts (combined as a single PDF if possible) to VDUEyecareVoucher@admin.cam.ac.uk

Further information can be found below. 

Updated:  14/05/2026