In July 2025, HSE reissued a safety notice targeted at installers, procurers and users of height adjustable display screen stands and wall mounts used in schools and other educational settings. HSE are aware of instances where children and other vulnerable persons have gained access to the controls of the equipment, leading to incidents of it falling forward. This presents serious risk of injuries, especially considering the weight of the combined unit, including the riser column, frame and screen, can be up to 150kg.
Action to take
Users and leaders
Employers, governing bodies, headteachers and teachers in schools and other education settings have a legal duty to ensure that this equipment is adequately risk assessed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Users should also be provided with the correct instructions.
If such motorised height adjustable display screen equipment is already in use and does not include an anti-collision device or similar protective feature, contact the machine manufacturer or the supplier for advice on whether such devices are available for retro-fitting. Always act on any recommendations received from the manufacturer or supplier to make the product safe.
All employers must ensure that adequate risk assessments are carried out regarding this equipment. The assessment should confirm:
- Checks are made on a regular basis of the equipment’s condition, particularly after a collision or evidence of damage
- That the equipment will be placed and used where it is not likely to be colliding with objects and people
- Where a crush injury risk exists, devices which can stop / reverse downward movement of the screen are fitted, so that significant damage or injury can be averted
- That only authorised people can access the equipment, with controllers always kept away from children
Installers
To a reasonable extent, ensure that a display screen mount has been erected or installed safely for all users.
Ensure it is:
- Assembled and installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Fixed to a surface that is sufficiently strong enough to support the weight, and prevent toppling or collapse
- Not installed with floor or wall fixings in an area where asbestos is present
- Secured with the appropriate fixings
Persons specifying or purchasing equipment
If specifying or purchasing motorised height adjustable display screen mounts for education settings, ensure that it will be appropriate and safe for its environment.
For instance, equipment that relies solely on user instructions and warnings is unlikely to be appropriate for this setting. Height adjustable display screen mounts featuring anti-collision devices significantly reduce the risks and may be better suited. These are readily available, and HSE expects them to be specified normally. Equipment with features that limit actuating forces, or feature controls designed to restrict height adjustment only to authorised and trained persons, may also be available.
Manufacturers
Where this product being supplied, prior checks must first be made by the manufacturer or authorised representative that the mounts are safe, and that they have satisfied their legal duties.
This includes:
- Looking for obvious defects, such as missing or damaged guards, or inadequately protected electric wiring
- Checking that known risks (including those highlighted in this notice) appear to be properly controlled, or that there is information on how they can be controlled
- Providing instructions for safe installation, use, adjustment and maintenance – in English if the machinery is for UK use
- Ensuring that warning signs are visible, easy to understand and, if written, are in English
- Checking machinery is accompanied by a properly completed Declaration of Conformity
- Checking for UKCA or CE marking
Importers, Distributors and Suppliers and Information to Customers
All reasonable steps should be taken to contact all customers you have supplied when:
- Machines previously supplied are now found to be unsafe or non-compliant
- Revisions of information and instructions are required because of serious risks to safety becoming known
Inform them and pass on updated user instructions, warnings and information on how existing machines can be made safe.
If customers are other businesses in the supply chain and not end users, then they should be asked to pass this information on to their customers.
Need help with this? Please do not hesitate to contact us.