Workstations and display screen equipment (DSE)

Guidance and resources to help you set up a comfortable workstation.

A properly set up workstation and DSE help keep you comfortable and protect your long-term health. This applies whether you work at a fixed desk, switch workspaces, or work remotely.

All University staff who use computers must complete the workstation and DSE e-learning module during induction and annually. This training ensures a safe and healthy workstation setup.

Start the workstation e-learning module

Resources

Practical advice for working from home safely:

Check the Homeworking Display Screen Equipment app for:

  • Links to useful DSE related resources.
  • A catalogue of approved/recommended items for use at home.
  • An email function where an individual making a request can send an equipment wish list to themselves and their manager or DSE assessor (based on the catalogue within the app). This can be used to support ordering and record keeping locally.

Recommended items can be found on the Finance Services SharePoint site. Your school or service is responsible for ordering and funding these items.

If you need further information on the process please look at the FAQ section within the app or email jessica.vance@bristol.ac.uk.

A visual guide to the DSE risk assessment process with resource links.

Updated for flexible working, it applies to all display screen equipment users across multiple locations, including:

  • home working
  • working on campus with a fixed desk
  • NWoW on campus
  • working while travelling
  • other types of remote working
  • a mix all working styles.

This helps identify if further workstation adjustments are needed as part of the DSE risk assessment.

Complete the self-assessment form, if issues remain after completing the e-learning module, guidance, and checklists:

Any University employee who is a DSE user is entitled to an eye and eyesight test.

Make a request using either version of the form:

You may then visit the optician of your choice and submit an expenses claim using MyERP.

You can claim up to:

  • £30 for the cost of an eye test
  • £35 for glasses prescribed solely for DSE use

The optician will determine the frequency of future tests. This is usually every two years, but may vary.

Please note: 

  • By signing the form, you declare that the information provided is correct, that you understand the terms of this agreement and that you agree for the results to be disclosed to the University of Bristol.
  • The University will not contribute towards glasses prescribed for any use other than DSE work.
  • If an ordinary prescription is also suitable for DSE use (e.g. prescribed for watching TV, reading driving etc.) the University will not contribute to or fund the glasses.
  • If the costs of the eye and eyesight test or glasses prescribed for DSE use exceed the amounts specified above, the employee will need to meet these extra costs.
  • You pay at your appointment and then claim the cost back via expenses. Please remember to upload the eye test authorisation form and the receipt from your appointment.
  • The budget code for your expense claim will be a local budget code. If you are not sure what it is, we recommend getting in touch with your line manager, local admin team or the team administrator to find out the correct code.