Display screen equipment (DSE) Workstation checklist

The following checklist can be used to help you complete a risk assessment and comply with the Schedule to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.

The questions and ‘Things to consider’ in the checklist cover the requirements of the Schedule. If you can answer ‘Yes’ in the second column against all the questions, having taken account of the ‘Things to consider’, you are complying. You will not be able to address some of the questions and ‘Things to consider’, eg on reflections on the screen, or the user’s comfort, until the workstation has been installed. These will be covered in the risk assessment you do once the workstation is installed.

Work through the checklist, ticking either the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ column against each risk factor:

  • ‘Yes’ answers require no further action
  • ‘No’ answers will require investigation and/or remedial action by the workstation assessor. They should record their decisions in the ‘Action to take’ column. Assessors should check later that actions have been taken and have resolved the problem.

Remember, the checklist only covers the workstation and work environment. You also need to make sure that risks from other aspects of the work are avoided, eg by giving users health and safety training, and providing for breaks or changes of activity. For more advice on these see Working with display screen equipment (DSE): A brief guide.

Before we get started please enter your name (or the name of the person to whom this applies if you are completing this for someone else):





keyboard icon

1. Keyboards


1. Is the keyboard separate from the screen?

This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (eg where there is a need to use a portable).





2. Does the keyboard tilt?

Tilt need not be built in.





3. Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?

display of incorrect keyboard positioning

Try pushing the display screen further back to create more room for the keyboard, hands and wrists.

Users of thick, raised keyboards may need a wrist rest.





4. Does the user have good keyboard technique?

Training can be used to prevent:

  • hands bent up at the wrist;
  • hitting the keys too hard;
  • overstretching the fingers.





5. Are the characters clear and readable?

Keyboards should be kept clean. If characters still can’t be read, the keyboard may need modifying or replacing.

Use a keyboard with a matt finish to reduce glare and/or reflection.







Once you have answered every question on the assessment, you can print or save your assessment by clicking "generate assessment".

If you need to exit in the meantime, we will save your progress.

If you have answered "yes" to every question on the page, you will be marked as "completed".