Understanding VDU & DSE Assessments | Your
Guide To Compliance & Workplace Wellbeing
With the rise of work from home, hybrid & flexi work, and different situations for different organisations, now has never been a better time to get to grips with VDU & DSE Assessments!
If you're an employer, ensuring your staff's well-being is paramount. A crucial step in protecting your employees from musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related ailments is conducting regular Visual Display Unit (VDU) assessments. This has never been more important, with the recent introduction of the Remote Homeworkers Bill Guidance from the WRC.
This article will delve into the importance of VDU assessments, their legal requirements, and how to effectively implement them in your workplace. We'll also explore the benefits of partnering with professional ergonomic consultants to optimize your employees' workstations and create a healthier work environment.
Let's dive into the world of VDU assessments and discover how they can benefit your business.
What is the difference between VDU & DSE Assessments?
There is no difference between VDU & DSE! Both mean the exact same thing, they are just terms that are used in different countries!
VDU = Visual Display Unit
DSE = Display Screen Equipment
What are VDU Assessments?
Also known as DSE Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, or Workstation Assessments, VDU Assessments stand for Visual Display Unit Assessment.
This assessment is carried out on all employees' workstations and their equipment. These can also be known as VDU health and safety risk assessments.
Are VDU Assessments Required By Law?
Yes, VDU Assessments are a legal requirement under the “2007 General Application Regulations”.
The law states that the Employer is required to undertake Visual Display Unit (VDU) (DSE) Assessments on all computer workstations where an employee will spend longer than 1 hour per day.
How to comply with the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulation 2007?
As an employer there are a number of duties set down with the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulation, 2007. The key requirements are to:
- Carry out an analysis or risk assessment of employee workstations.
- Provide information to employees in relation to measures which have been implemented.
- Provide training to employees in the use of workstations before commencing work with display screen equipment and whenever the organisation of the workstation is modified.
- Perform a further analysis or risk assessment where an employee transfers to a new workstation or significant new work equipment, change of equipment or new technology is introduced on an individuals workstation.
- Ensure that the provision of an appropriate eye and eyesight test is made available to every employee.
- Employers must pay particular attention to physical difficulties and mental stress and put in precautions to control any risks identified.
Who Does The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulation 2007 Apply To?
These regulations are applicable:
- If the employee has no choice but to use the VDU to carry out her/his work.
- If the employee normally uses the VDU for continuous periods of more than one hour.
- If the VDU is generally used by the employee on a daily basis.
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Does An Employee Need A VDU Assessment If They Are Working From Home?
Yes, any employee who is working at their workstation for more than one hour, regardless of whether they are in the office or working from home, needs to have a VDU Assessment carried out by their employer.
How Often Do VDU Assessments Need To Be Carried Out?
VDU Risk Assessments should be carried out every 2 years. However, this changes depending on the employee's needs.
So, if an employee changes their workstation, they need to have a VDU Assessment carried out to comply with regulations.
How Can I Organise VDU Assessments For My Employees?
The best way to organise VDU Assessments for all your employees is to have trained, competent, professionals manage them.
This allows you to save time and money by letting Ergonomic Assessors handle the whole process. Trained VDU Assessors should have working experience in physiotherapy, sports, or health and fitness.
By choosing the correct assessor, you will be minimising the risk of injury and missed time at work for your employees.
Choosing the correct Assessor now will save you long-term headaches associated with the safety, health, and welfare of your employees.
VDU Assessors Ireland - KOS Ergonomics
KOS Ergonomics are Ireland's only specialised, end-to-end, ergonomic solutions specialists. With over 30 years of experience in the Ergonomics industry, KOS Ergonomics are the leaders in ergonomic solutions in Ireland.
KOS Ergonomics consultants are trained VDU Assessors, with a history in the physiotherapy, health, and fitness industries, and are familiar with the legal requirements of VDU workplaces. At KOS Ergonomics, we pay particular attention to the office chair assessment and its suitability for the user. We regard the office chair as a vital tool for the office worker.
As part of the workstation assessment, the computer workstation, display screen, keyboard, computer mouse, workspace, office lighting, noise and safety issues are also assessed. Lux monitoring can be carried out for lighting levels on the workstation if required.
If improvements are required KOS Ergonomics can provide the appropriate products to ensure the workplace is healthy and safe. KOS Ergonomic solutions can also assist with noise reduction and improved lighting.
Here Are The 6 Steps To A Happy Employee, Using KOS Ergonomics VDU Assessments!
1. E-Learning & Self-Assessment
Animated guidance on Ergonomic set-up, followed by self-assessment.
Automated risk rating of employees and reminders.
2. Schedule Assessment
Employee is prompted to schedule a 1-1 e-assessment through software.
High risk employees are always offered priority spots.
3. Virtual 1-1 Ergo-Assessment
Guidance and education on improving their work set-up and determine the requirements for seating and workstation equipment.
4. Equipment Setup Training
Assembly instructions and manual handling documents & videos are sent to the employee.
5. Close Out = Happy Employee
2 weeks after the equipment is delivered, KOS email the employee to digitally sign that the equipment is suitable.
The assessment is then closed out.
Recorded Risk Management
Time-stamped paper of each step, from the beginning, to the employee sign off of their suitable workplace.
Risk Managed
Speak To An Ergo Assessor Today!
Get in touch with an Ergo Expert and get a FREE consultation on how VDU Assessments can help you and your company stay compliant!
VDU & DSE Assessments From KOS Ergonomics
Whether you're company works Remote, Hybrid, In-Office, or even Hot-Desking, we cater to all needs with our wide range of VDU & DSE Assessment Services. Let KOS handle your Ergonomics Programme, so you can be your own workplace hero.
VDU Assessments - Frequently Asked Questions
A VDU Assessment is an Ergonomic Assessment, carried out by a recognised VDU Assessor, of an employee's workstation and work equipment, as per HSA Legislation.
VDU - Visual/Video Display Unit
Something that shows information on a screen, such as a computer, laptop, monitor, phone, etc.
DSE - Display Screen Equipment
Something that shows information on a screen, such as a computer, laptop, monitor, phone, etc.
VDU - Visual Display Unit & DSE - Display Screen Equipment are essentially the same thing!
They both mean anyhting that shows images on a screen, such as a computer, laptop, tablet, monitor, phone, etc.
Yes, VDU Assessments are a legal requirement.
Under HSA Guidelines, in The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 5 of Part 2 outline the requirements that must be adhered to in relation to Display Screen Equipment.
A VDU Assessment must be carried out by a competent, trained assessor. This requires a certificate of completion from a recognised VDU Assessor course.
To carry out an assessment on your own employees, you must be competently trained and hold the required certificate.
It's easy to become an assessor, just visit our KOS Ergonomics Assessor courses!
You can get in touch with one of our KOS Ergonomics Ergo Experts directly.
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Yes, VDU Assessments can be carried out on Remote, Hybrid, and in-person employees.
Anyone working at a computer, at home or in the office, needs to be assessed.
A Detailed VDU Assessment is an in-depth assessment, normally carried out on employees with existing health conditions or when a standard VDU Assessment doesn't solve a problem.
Yes, a personalised report is given for every VDU Assessment that is carried out.
Yes, our Ergo Experts will provide detailed and specific recommendations for every employee who receives a VDU Assessment.
If required, they will happily help with carry out any of the recommendations.
Our KOS Ergonomics Experts don't just stop when the VDU Assessment is complete.
We pride ourselves on our 100% After-Care, with expert guidance and support after every VDU Assessment.
Our experts will guide you on how best to implement the recommendations and the next steps to take.
If you need help with implementing any of the recommendations, we can also help. KOS Ergonomics are Ireland's ONLY Fully-Managed Ergonomics Solutions Provider.
This means we can be your one-stop shop for your full Ergonomics Program. We provide Assessments, Equipment, Training, and Software, allowing you to get on with your job and ensuring your staff are working healthy, productively, and you're covered under all legislation.
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