Guidance and regulations

Our free downloadable leaflet Working with VDUs is a guide for people who work with visual display units (VDUs), and their employers. VDU is a previous description of DSE and, in the context of the leaflet, the two are the same.

It answers the most common questions about VDUs and health, gives a summary of the law on VDU work (the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992), and outlines what employers and employees should do to comply. It also suggests simple adjustments that users can make to workstations and screens to make them more comfortable and easy to use, and explains how employers and users can get further advice.

For more detailed information you may wish to buy or download free the following:

• The law on VDUs: An easy guide: Making sure your office complies with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2002)

HSE recommends this booklet 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.

Alternatively you may wish to buy or download free the following:

• Work with display screen equipment. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002. Guidance on regulations

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 the application of the Regulations beyond ordinary VDUs in offices.

Check the MSD FAQs.