For UK workers who use display screen equipment (DSE) daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, the Health and Safety Executive says a workstation assessment should determine what equipment is needed; it should cover home and office where both are used. Choose a screen or separate input devices to address an identified workstation issue, and a dock or meeting peripheral only when the task calls for one and the computer and work systems support it. Where a DSE assessment indicates that equipment is needed, HSE says workers cannot be charged for it.
If you use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more at home and in an office, both workstations need consideration. The Health and Safety Executive says the assessment should cover both settings before deciding what additional equipment is needed.
If an assessment identifies a screen-position or input-device issue, the choice may be a separate monitor, a laptop stand with separate inputs, or another targeted change. HSE’s workstation checklist treats screens, keyboards, pointing devices and the work environment as distinct areas.
If calls require a different camera, microphone or listening arrangement, choose the peripheral for that task. Check its connection and operating-system requirements alongside the meeting software and device rules used at work.
Start with the workstation issue, then check whether the proposed equipment fits the computer and the way the desk is used.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment outcome | Identify the particular workstation or task issue. For work in both locations, check the home and office arrangements rather than assuming they need identical equipment. | I want equipment that addresses an issue at my actual workstation, not a standard bundle. HSE says the DSE assessment should guide what is needed. |
| Screen and inputs | Check screen position and whether a separate display is necessary. If a stand raises the laptop, assess where the keyboard and pointing device will sit. | A different screen position might help my desk arrangement, but I also need to be able to place the input devices suitably. HSE assesses screens, keyboards and pointing devices separately. |
| Display and dock compatibility | Compare the exact computer’s video outputs with the monitor or dock inputs, cables and intended display configuration. If charging through USB-C is expected, check the power supplied and what the computer accepts. | I need the planned displays and connections to work with my computer. Apple says Mac display support depends on the model, resolution and refresh rate; Microsoft says host capability and available power can limit dock functions. |
| Meeting peripherals | Check the required connection, operating-system support and meeting platform. Confirm any employer rules for connecting or managing the device. | If calls expose a camera, audio or privacy need in my work arrangement, I want a peripheral that works with the systems I must use. |
A monitor, dock or keyboard may leave the actual workstation issue unresolved. The Health and Safety Executive says some home workers do not need office-type equipment, while equipment they already own may also be unsuitable.
Use the DSE assessment to identify the component or change needed for the individual task and workstation.
Display support and accepted power depend on the host device. Apple describes model-specific Mac display limits, while Microsoft notes that insufficient dock power can reduce functions.
Check the exact computer, monitor or dock, cables, intended resolution and refresh rate, and USB Power Delivery requirements together.
A stand moves the built-in screen and keyboard together, although their suitable positions may differ. HSE’s workstation checklist assesses screens and input devices separately.
If the screen needs raising, check whether a separate keyboard and mouse are also needed for the intended arrangement.
Connections, software support and employer device rules matter to whether a webcam or other peripheral can be used for work. Compatibility stated for one model does not establish compatibility for another.
Confirm the required meeting platform, operating system, connection method and employer device rules before ordering.
These model and range examples illustrate features to check; a brand name alone does not establish suitability for a particular workstation.
Dell’s P2425HE is an example to examine when an assessment points to an adjustable external monitor and a USB-C desk connection.
ThinkVision is a monitor range to compare when a compatible USB-C desk connection is part of the assessed need.
Logitech has input and meeting peripherals to consider where a particular task or workstation assessment identifies a need.
These options cover external monitors, a dock and a mouse. Consider each only where the workstation assessment or work task identifies a matching need, then check compatibility with the exact computer and setup.
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Consider this height-adjustable screen if the assessment identifies a display-position need. Check that the exact computer supports the intended video connection and display setting; if charging through the monitor matters, confirm the computer’s power requirements too.
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For a desk that needs docked displays and peripherals, check the laptop’s supported display configuration, the required cables and its charging requirements. The dock’s stated pass-through rating does not establish what a particular laptop will accept.
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If the assessment identifies a need for a separate screen, check that the computer can output the intended WQHD display setting and that the screen can be positioned suitably. Confirm the connection and power requirements if USB-C charging is part of the plan.
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For an assessed need for an additional screen between work locations, check this model’s video input against the exact laptop’s output and confirm that its positioning suits each workstation where it will be used.
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Consider a separate mouse where the assessment identifies an input-device need. Check whether its shape suits the user and whether the intended wireless connection is permitted on the work computer; this is a mouse, not a keyboard-and-mouse set.
No. The Health and Safety Executive says home workers may not need office-type equipment. Where the DSE Regulations apply, the individual workstation assessment should guide whether additional equipment is needed.
HSE says employers must assess the workstation when a worker uses DSE daily as part of normal work for continuous periods of an hour or more. If the worker uses DSE at home and in an office, the assessment should cover both settings.
No. For the UK DSE workstation assessment described by the Health and Safety Executive, workers cannot be charged where the assessment indicates that action is needed, such as providing DSE equipment.
Check the exact computer’s video capability, intended display count and settings, matching ports and cables, and the power it can accept if charging is expected. Apple says Mac display support varies by model, resolution and refresh rate; Microsoft notes that insufficient dock power can reduce functions.
Consider one when calls are part of the job and the current camera, audio or privacy arrangement does not meet that task’s requirements. Check the exact device’s connection and operating-system support, the required meeting platform and any employer device rules.