Ireland • Workplace Health • Ergonomics
Ergonomics in Ireland: Workplace & Remote Working Guide
Practical ergonomics for office, remote and hybrid teams—how to reduce risk, improve comfort, and build a compliant programme.
Updated: • KOS Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the practice of fitting work to the person. It focuses on how tasks, workstations, tools and work habits can be designed so employees can work comfortably, efficiently, and with reduced risk of injury.
Simple way to think about it: ergonomics reduces strain by improving how the job is set up—rather than asking the body to “cope” with a poor set-up.
Why ergonomics matters
Ergonomics isn’t only about posture. Done properly, it supports:
- Musculoskeletal health (neck, shoulders, back, wrists)
- Reduced fatigue and fewer discomfort complaints
- Better focus and productivity (especially with screen-based roles)
- Consistency across office, home and hybrid workstations
For Irish employers, ergonomic risk is often managed through a combination of DSE assessments for screen users and broader ergonomic risk assessment for manual handling or repetitive upper-limb work.
Who is responsible for ergonomics at work in Ireland?
In practice, employers are responsible for providing a safe system of work, which includes assessing risks and implementing controls. Employees also have responsibilities to follow agreed procedures, use equipment correctly, and report issues early.
Official guidance (external links)
- HSA remote working ergonomics guidance: Ergonomics (HSA)
- HSA remote working overview and checklist: Remote Working (HSA)
Does ergonomics apply to remote work?
Yes. Remote and hybrid workstations introduce common issues like laptop-only set-ups, unsuitable chairs, and glare from windows. A strong ergonomics programme checks both the office set-up and the home (or remote hub) set-up where applicable.
Common ergonomic risks
These are the most frequent issues we see in workplace ergonomics reviews:
- Screen height & distance causing neck/shoulder strain
- Chair support (seat height, lumbar support, armrest setup)
- Keyboard & mouse positioning increasing upper-limb load
- Laptop-only work for prolonged periods
- Lighting and glare contributing to eye fatigue
- Long uninterrupted screen time without micro-breaks or task variation
- Highly repetitive tasks (upper limb) or manual handling risk factors
If you only fix one thing: resolve laptop-only work by adding a monitor or riser + external keyboard + mouse for frequent users. This usually delivers the biggest comfort improvement the fastest.
Ergonomics quick wins for office & home
Desk and screen
- Keep the screen at a comfortable distance and reduce neck bending.
- Position the screen to reduce glare (adjust angle, blinds, and monitor placement).
Chair and posture
- Set chair height so elbows can stay close to the body while typing/mousing.
- Use back support and avoid “perching” on the seat edge for long periods.
Keyboard and mouse
- Keep the mouse close; avoid reaching forward or sideways.
- Keep wrists neutral; don’t rely on a wrist rest to “fix” a poor setup.
Work pattern
- Use short, regular micro-breaks and task variation.
- Encourage early reporting of discomfort so issues don’t become chronic.
Quick compliance check
Want to spot gaps fast before rolling out changes? Take the Free Self-Audit Assessment.
How an ergonomic assessment works
A professional ergonomics assessment identifies the main drivers of discomfort and provides a practical action plan. A typical process includes:
- Work review: tasks, hours at screen, break patterns, pain/discomfort history
- Workstation review: screen height/distance, chair settings, desk layout, input devices
- Environment: lighting, glare, space and work organisation
- Actions: quick wins + longer-term improvements and equipment guidance
- Follow-up: confirmation that changes were implemented and are effective
Related KOS resources
Use these links to go deeper on the most common ergonomics needs (and to help search engines understand topic coverage).
Ergonomic Assessments
Core service page for workplace ergonomics assessments.
DSE Assessments
Display Screen Equipment assessments for screen-based roles.
Remote Ergonomic Assessments
Video-based assessments for remote and hybrid workstations.
In-Person Ergonomic Assessments
Onsite support for offices, hubs and larger teams.
Free Self-Audit Assessment
Check compliance gaps and prioritise your next actions.
Talk to KOS
Get advice on rolling out ergonomics at scale.
Suggested internal link anchors (use these on other pages when linking to this article):
- ergonomics in Ireland
- workplace ergonomics guide
- ergonomics for remote workers
- ergonomic risk assessment
- office ergonomics best practice
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is ergonomics in the workplace?
Workplace ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks, workstations and tools to suit the worker. The aim is to reduce strain, prevent injury and improve comfort and performance.
Why is ergonomics important at work?
Ergonomics helps reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue, improves focus, and supports consistent work practices across office and remote workstations.
What are common ergonomic risks?
Common risks include poor screen height, inadequate chair support, awkward keyboard/mouse positions, laptop-only work for prolonged periods, glare and long uninterrupted screen time.
Does ergonomics apply to remote workers?
Yes. Remote and hybrid work often increases risk due to laptop use, suboptimal chairs, limited workspace and lighting/glare issues. Remote assessments help identify and fix these problems quickly.
What is the difference between ergonomics and DSE assessments?
Ergonomics is the broader discipline of fitting work to the person. A DSE assessment is a specific type of ergonomic assessment that focuses on screen-based workstation set-up and related risks.
How often should ergonomics be reviewed?
Review when a workstation changes, when an employee moves between home and office, when equipment or tasks change, and whenever discomfort is reported.
Note: This article is informational and should be used alongside official guidance and your organisation’s health & safety processes.
Ireland • Workplace Health • Ergonomics
Ergonomics in Ireland: Workplace & Remote Working Guide
Practical ergonomics for office, remote and hybrid teams—how to reduce risk, improve comfort, and build a compliant programme.
Updated: • KOS Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the practice of fitting work to the person. It focuses on how tasks, workstations, tools and work habits can be designed so employees can work comfortably, efficiently, and with reduced risk of injury.
Simple way to think about it: ergonomics reduces strain by improving how the job is set up—rather than asking the body to “cope” with a poor set-up.
Why ergonomics matters
Ergonomics isn’t only about posture. Done properly, it supports:
- Musculoskeletal health (neck, shoulders, back, wrists)
- Reduced fatigue and fewer discomfort complaints
- Better focus and productivity (especially with screen-based roles)
- Consistency across office, home and hybrid workstations
For Irish employers, ergonomic risk is often managed through a combination of DSE assessments for screen users and broader ergonomic risk assessment for manual handling or repetitive upper-limb work.
Who is responsible for ergonomics at work in Ireland?
In practice, employers are responsible for providing a safe system of work, which includes assessing risks and implementing controls. Employees also have responsibilities to follow agreed procedures, use equipment correctly, and report issues early.
Official guidance (external links)
- HSA remote working ergonomics guidance: Ergonomics (HSA)
- HSA remote working overview and checklist: Remote Working (HSA)
Does ergonomics apply to remote work?
Yes. Remote and hybrid workstations introduce common issues like laptop-only set-ups, unsuitable chairs, and glare from windows. A strong ergonomics programme checks both the office set-up and the home (or remote hub) set-up where applicable.
Common ergonomic risks
These are the most frequent issues we see in workplace ergonomics reviews:
- Screen height & distance causing neck/shoulder strain
- Chair support (seat height, lumbar support, armrest setup)
- Keyboard & mouse positioning increasing upper-limb load
- Laptop-only work for prolonged periods
- Lighting and glare contributing to eye fatigue
- Long uninterrupted screen time without micro-breaks or task variation
- Highly repetitive tasks (upper limb) or manual handling risk factors
If you only fix one thing: resolve laptop-only work by adding a monitor or riser + external keyboard + mouse for frequent users. This usually delivers the biggest comfort improvement the fastest.
Ergonomics quick wins for office & home
Desk and screen
- Keep the screen at a comfortable distance and reduce neck bending.
- Position the screen to reduce glare (adjust angle, blinds, and monitor placement).
Chair and posture
- Set chair height so elbows can stay close to the body while typing/mousing.
- Use back support and avoid “perching” on the seat edge for long periods.
Keyboard and mouse
- Keep the mouse close; avoid reaching forward or sideways.
- Keep wrists neutral; don’t rely on a wrist rest to “fix” a poor setup.
Work pattern
- Use short, regular micro-breaks and task variation.
- Encourage early reporting of discomfort so issues don’t become chronic.
Quick compliance check
Want to spot gaps fast before rolling out changes? Take the Free Self-Audit Assessment.
How an ergonomic assessment works
A professional ergonomics assessment identifies the main drivers of discomfort and provides a practical action plan. A typical process includes:
- Work review: tasks, hours at screen, break patterns, pain/discomfort history
- Workstation review: screen height/distance, chair settings, desk layout, input devices
- Environment: lighting, glare, space and work organisation
- Actions: quick wins + longer-term improvements and equipment guidance
- Follow-up: confirmation that changes were implemented and are effective
Related KOS resources
Use these links to go deeper on the most common ergonomics needs (and to help search engines understand topic coverage).
Ergonomic Assessments
Core service page for workplace ergonomics assessments.
DSE Assessments
Display Screen Equipment assessments for screen-based roles.
Remote Ergonomic Assessments
Video-based assessments for remote and hybrid workstations.
In-Person Ergonomic Assessments
Onsite support for offices, hubs and larger teams.
Free Self-Audit Assessment
Check compliance gaps and prioritise your next actions.
Talk to KOS
Get advice on rolling out ergonomics at scale.
Suggested internal link anchors (use these on other pages when linking to this article):
- ergonomics in Ireland
- workplace ergonomics guide
- ergonomics for remote workers
- ergonomic risk assessment
- office ergonomics best practice
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is ergonomics in the workplace?
Workplace ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks, workstations and tools to suit the worker. The aim is to reduce strain, prevent injury and improve comfort and performance.
Why is ergonomics important at work?
Ergonomics helps reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue, improves focus, and supports consistent work practices across office and remote workstations.
What are common ergonomic risks?
Common risks include poor screen height, inadequate chair support, awkward keyboard/mouse positions, laptop-only work for prolonged periods, glare and long uninterrupted screen time.
Does ergonomics apply to remote workers?
Yes. Remote and hybrid work often increases risk due to laptop use, suboptimal chairs, limited workspace and lighting/glare issues. Remote assessments help identify and fix these problems quickly.
What is the difference between ergonomics and DSE assessments?
Ergonomics is the broader discipline of fitting work to the person. A DSE assessment is a specific type of ergonomic assessment that focuses on screen-based workstation set-up and related risks.
How often should ergonomics be reviewed?
Review when a workstation changes, when an employee moves between home and office, when equipment or tasks change, and whenever discomfort is reported.
Note: This article is informational and should be used alongside official guidance and your organisation’s health & safety processes.
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