With the majority of Irish office workers spending most of their working day in front of a screen, VDU (Visual Display Unit) assessments have become an essential part of workplace health and safety compliance. Yet many employers are unsure of their obligations — or assume this only applies to large corporations. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a VDU Assessment?
A VDU assessment (also called a DSE — Display Screen Equipment — assessment) is a structured evaluation of an employee’s workstation. It examines factors such as screen position, chair height, keyboard and mouse placement, lighting, and working posture to identify risks that could lead to musculoskeletal problems, eye strain, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
Is It a Legal Requirement in Ireland?
Yes. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (Chapter 5 of Part 2) require employers to:
- Analyse all VDU workstations to assess health and safety risks
- Take steps to reduce any identified risks
- Provide information and training to employees who habitually use VDUs
- Provide appropriate eye and eyesight tests upon request
- Plan work activities so that daily screen time is periodically interrupted by breaks or changes of activity
A “habitual user” is generally considered to be anyone who uses a VDU for more than one hour continuously per day as a normal part of their role.
Does Remote Working Change Anything?
Yes — and this is an area where many Irish employers are exposed. Under Irish health and safety law, your duty of care extends to remote and home workers. If an employee is working from home using a laptop or desktop, you are still legally required to ensure their workstation is assessed and meets minimum standards. The HSA has published specific guidance on home working and VDU use.
What Does a VDU Assessment Involve?
A professional VDU workstation assessment will examine:
- Screen — height, distance, tilt, glare, and brightness
- Chair — height adjustment, lumbar support, armrests
- Desk — height, space, cable management
- Keyboard and mouse — position, wrist posture
- Lighting — natural light, artificial lighting, reflections
- Working posture — neutral spine position, foot support
- Work pattern — frequency and duration of breaks
Following the assessment, the assessor will provide a written report with specific recommendations. In some cases, minor adjustments (raising a monitor, adjusting a chair) resolve all identified issues. In others, ergonomic equipment may be recommended.
Who Can Carry Out a VDU Assessment?
There is no single prescribed qualification required under Irish law, but assessors should have received appropriate training and have a good understanding of ergonomics, relevant legislation, and correct workstation setup. Many organisations use a trained internal assessor for basic assessments and bring in an external health and safety consultant for more complex cases or where musculoskeletal problems have already been reported.
GR Training can train a member of your team to conduct VDU assessments in-house, or carry out assessments on your behalf — including for remote workers.
VDU Assessment Services from GR Training
GR Training provides professional VDU workstation assessments for businesses across Dublin and Ireland. We cover office-based and remote workers, provide written assessment reports, and offer practical guidance on corrective actions. We also deliver VDU awareness training so your staff understand how to set up their own workstations correctly.
Not sure if your business is compliant? Contact GR Training today to arrange a VDU assessment or discuss your workstation training needs.