Workers using a laptop for prolonged periods at home
If a laptop is your regular work screen, consider its position alongside the keyboard and mouse. HSE guidance addresses the arrangement of these devices when the laptop screen is raised.
Who this guidance is for
Hybrid workers with several desk connections
If you regularly reconnect a laptop to displays and other peripherals, check the laptop, operating system and intended connections together before choosing a dock.
Employees buying after a workstation assessment
If an assessment has identified an equipment need, establish what your employer will provide before making a personal purchase. HSE distinguishes assessed action from a worker's optional accessories.
What to check before choosing equipment
Start with the position and connections your assessed setup needs. Choose a riser and separate input devices, an external display, a dock or a lighting accessory according to the problem it addresses; these items can also work together.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop screen and input position | Check the riser's laptop size and weight limits and whether its height suits the desk. Allow room for a separate keyboard and mouse when raising the screen. | If I raise my laptop screen for sustained work, I still need to place my hands comfortably rather than type on the raised keyboard. Around 33% of consumers put screen and input position first. |
| A separate display | Check desk space, the laptop's video output, the monitor's input and whether the stand permits the required screen position. | I need a separate screen, but it must fit where I work without leaving me looking off to one side or into reflections. For around 25% of consumers, the additional display is the primary need. |
| One connection for peripherals | Match the dock to the exact laptop and host port. Confirm operating-system support, the intended display configuration and charging requirements. | When I reconnect several desk devices, I want the displays and peripherals to work with my laptop rather than relying on the shape of its USB-C port. Connecting peripherals is the first concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Glare and call position | Try positioning the screen and existing light first. If needed, check a task light's placement or a webcam's mounting and connection. | I need to deal with reflections or a camera angle affected by my screen position before adding another accessory. Around 17% of consumers place lighting or call position first. |
Common setup mistakes
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Raising a laptop but continuing to use its built-in keyboard
An elevated screen can leave the built-in keyboard awkwardly placed. HSE's guidance pairs a raised laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse for prolonged use.
Plan the riser and input devices together, and check that all three fit on the desk.
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Assuming every USB-C dock supports the intended displays
As Laptops Direct explains, a USB-C connection does not always carry video or power. Video sockets on a dock alone cannot establish what a particular laptop and operating system can run.
Check the laptop's host port and external-display limit against the dock's stated display modes, resolution, refresh rate and charging arrangement.
A connection mismatch may mean using an adapter or a different connection arrangement.
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Buying an accessory before agreeing how an assessed need will be met
HSE says a home-workstation assessment should identify action appropriate to the worker. If it indicates that equipment needs to be provided, the worker cannot be charged for that provision; this does not make every optional upgrade employer-provided.
Use your employer's assessment process and agree how an identified equipment need will be met before buying something you expect the employer to provide.
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Choosing a larger monitor without checking its position
A different display still needs a workable position on the desk. HSE guidance also calls for arranging screens and lighting to avoid reflections and glare.
Check desk depth, screen placement and reflections before deciding whether a monitor addresses the assessed need.
Relevant brands to consider
Dell
Dell's USB-C monitor range is relevant when an assessed setup calls for a separate display and the laptop connection needs checking.
- Dell lists USB-C monitors with model-dependent video, power-delivery and peripheral connections.
- Check the exact monitor's ports and adjustment features against the laptop and desk layout; features differ by model.
Kensington
Kensington laptop risers are relevant when the laptop screen needs raising and a separate keyboard and mouse will be used.
- Kensington lists four height settings for its SmartFit Laptop Riser.
- Its stated laptop limits are 15.6 inches and 7.7 lb. Check the chosen riser's limits and remember that raising a laptop does not replace separate input devices.
StarTech.com
StarTech.com docking stations are relevant to desks where a laptop must connect to an identified combination of displays and peripherals.
- The range includes docks for differing connection and display requirements.
- Operating-system support varies: StarTech.com describes one dual-monitor USB-C dock as Windows-compatible but not compatible with macOS or ChromeOS. Check the exact dock and laptop combination.
Logitech
Logitech keyboards, mice and webcams may be relevant when a raised laptop or external display changes the required input-device or camera arrangement.
- Logitech lists separate input devices and monitor-mounted webcam options.
- Choose the layout, mounting method and connection to match the assessed setup rather than assuming every accessory is needed.
Joybuy products for monitors and connections
These monitors and one dock relate to assessed needs for a separate display or for connecting desk peripherals. Check the intended screen position and laptop compatibility before choosing; a dock does not address screen height on its own.
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BenQ MA320UP 32-inch 4K USB-C monitor
Consider this separate display if the assessment calls for a monitor at a desk with room to position it. Its title specifies a height-adjustable stand; check the laptop's USB-C video connection and the intended screen position before choosing it.
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Targus USB-C Universal Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station with 100W Power Delivery Pass-Thru
Consider this dock when the assessed desk setup calls for connecting displays and peripherals through a compatible laptop. Its title specifies dual HDMI and 100W Power Delivery pass-through, but those features do not establish what a particular laptop can run. Check host-port and operating-system compatibility, and confirm whether the required external power adapter is included.
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ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Full HD portable USB-C monitor
Consider this portable display if a separate screen is needed at more than one work location. Check that the laptop's USB-C port supports the required video connection and that the screen can be positioned as the workstation assessment requires.
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ARZOPA A1M 17.3-inch Full HD portable monitor with kickstand
Consider this portable display where an assessed setup needs a separate screen that can be moved. Its title lists USB-C and HDMI connections; match the connection to the laptop and check whether the kickstand permits the required screen position.
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UPERFECT 18.4-inch 4K portable monitor with integrated mount
Consider this separate display if the assessed setup calls for a portable screen of this size. Its title lists USB-C and Mini HDMI connections and an integrated mount; check laptop video compatibility and whether the mount reaches the required screen position.
Home-working DSE questions
Do UK DSE rules cover occasional laptop use at home?
Not necessarily. HSE says the Display Screen Equipment Regulations can apply to permanent, long-term and hybrid home workers who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more; it distinguishes this from occasional or short periods of use at home.
Do I have to pay for equipment identified by my home-workstation assessment?
HSE says workers cannot be charged when a home DSE workstation assessment indicates that action is needed, such as providing equipment. Agree with your employer what the assessment calls for before treating a separate, optional purchase as part of that provision.
Is a laptop stand enough for prolonged home working?
Not on its own if the plan is to raise the laptop screen while continuing to type on it. HSE advises using a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated, with the resulting arrangement checked as part of the workstation setup.
Will a USB-C dock run two external monitors from my laptop?
Only if the particular laptop, host port, operating system and dock support the intended display arrangement. Laptops Direct notes that USB-C does not always carry video or power; check the laptop's external-display limit and the dock's stated display modes, resolution and refresh rate rather than counting its sockets.
Should I add a task light to my home desk?
Add one if the assessed setup needs a lighting change that the existing arrangement cannot provide. HSE advises arranging screens and lighting to avoid reflections and glare, so check whether repositioning the screen or current light resolves the issue first.