DSE/VDU Assessments

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) / Visual Display Unit (VDU) Assessments

Display Screen Equipment (DSE), also referred to as Visual Display Unit (VDU), assessments are a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 for employees who use computers or other display screen equipment as a significant part of their daily work.

An assessment is required where an employee habitually uses display screen equipment or spends one hour or more per day working at a computer workstation. Employers have a duty to ensure that these workstations are suitable, ergonomically designed, and arranged to minimise the risk of injury or ill health.

Why DSE Assessments Are Important

Poor workstation design or incorrect workstation setup can contribute to a range of health issues, many of which develop gradually over time. Regular DSE assessments help identify and eliminate these risks, improving employee wellbeing, comfort, and productivity while ensuring compliance with Irish health and safety legislation.

A properly conducted assessment can help prevent:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Neck, shoulder, and back pain
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Eye strain and visual fatigue
Headaches and discomfort
Poor posture and fatigue
Stress associated with unsuitable working environments

Our assessments examine the complete workstation and surrounding environment, ensuring that all elements work together to support safe and comfortable working practices.

What Our Assessments Cover

Our competent assessors evaluate all aspects of the employee's workstation, including:

Workstation layout and ergonomic suitability
Display screen positioning and viewing distance
Desk and workstation configuration
Chair adjustment and posture
Keyboard, mouse, and input device positioning
Laptop use
Lighting, glare, and reflections
Workspace organisation and accessibility
Environmental conditions such as temperature and ventilation
Work routines, breaks, and task variation

Following each assessment, employees receive practical recommendations to improve workstation setup and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury. Employers are provided with clear, prioritised reports outlining any corrective actions required to achieve compliance.

Competent, Person-Specific Assessments

While many organisations rely purely on user self-assessment, this is nsufficient as a standalone means of meeting legal obligations. Effective DSE assessments should be carried out by a competent person who can observe the employee using their own workstation, identify ergonomic risks, and recommend practical improvements based on individual needs.

Because every employee and workstation is different, assessments should always be specific to both the user and the workstation. Whenever there are significant changes—such as new equipment, relocation, changes in work practices, or if an employee develops discomfort or health concerns—the assessment should be reviewed and updated.

Our DSE Assessment Service

We provide professional DSE/VDU assessments for organisations of all sizes, whether employees are based in an office, working remotely, or operating under a hybrid working arrangement.

Our service includes:

Individual workstation assessments
Office, home-working, and hybrid workplace assessments
Detailed written reports with practical recommendations
Advice on ergonomic improvements and equipment requirements
Assistance with achieving compliance with the General Application Regulations 2007
Ongoing support following workstation changes or employee concerns

Our aim is to help employers create healthier, safer, and more productive work environments while ensuring compliance with current health and safety legislation. By identifying ergonomic risks early, we help reduce the likelihood of work-related injuries, improve employee wellbeing, and support a positive workplace culture.

Our Hybrid DSE Assessment Process

We offer a flexible and cost-effective hybrid approach to Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments that combines the convenience of technology with the expertise of a competent assessor.

The process begins with the employee completing a straightforward self-assessment questionnaire, designed to gather information about their workstation, equipment, work patterns, and any discomfort or concerns they may be experiencing. The completed questionnaire is submitted together with a short video of the employee working at their workstation, allowing our consultant to observe posture, workstation layout, and working practices in a real-life setting.

Following our review of this information, each employee participates in a one-to-one Microsoft Teams consultation with one of our experienced health and safety consultants. During this personalised session, we discuss the findings of the assessment, identify any ergonomic issues or potential risks, and provide practical advice on improving workstation setup, posture, and working habits.

Where necessary, we recommend adjustments to equipment, workstation layout, or work practices to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive strain injuries, visual fatigue, and other health issues associated with prolonged DSE use. If additional equipment or accessories are required, these recommendations are clearly documented for the employer.

Our hybrid assessment model offers several key benefits:

Competent assessor review of every workstation
Individual one-to-one consultation with each employee
Practical, personalised ergonomic advice
Compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
Reduced disruption to the working day
Suitable for office-based, remote, and hybrid workers
Flexible appointment scheduling, including evenings and weekends where required
Cost-effective solution for organisations with employees across multiple locations

By combining employee participation with professional ergonomic assessment, our hybrid approach delivers a high-quality, compliant service without the time and expense associated with traditional on-site assessments. Employees benefit from expert guidance tailored to their individual needs, while employers receive an efficient, practical, and scalable solution that supports workplace wellbeing, reduces the risk of injury, and helps meet their legal health and safety obligations.

📞 Contact us today on 087 6685385 / 051 575035 or fill in the form below and find out more about how to meet your legal obligations in this area.