DSE Assessments Ireland In-person, remote and medical workstation assessments that meet HSA requirements

Yes. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Chapter 5 of Part 2 of the General Application Regulations 2007, employers must assess the workstation of every DSE user. A DSE user is an employee who habitually uses a computer, laptop or other screen as a significant part of their normal work. The Regulations do not set a fixed number of hours per day, so the test is how the screen is used, not a time limit.

There is no difference in practice. VDU (visual display unit) is the older term, and DSE (display screen equipment) is the term used in the current Irish Regulations. Both describe the same workstation risk assessment covering the screen, keyboard, chair, desk, environment and how the person works.

A standard assessment is a fully compliant session that makes sure employees have the right equipment, set up correctly in a suitable environment, and picks up early signs of discomfort. A detailed assessment covers all the same requirements but is tailored to people with pre-existing medical conditions, chronic pain or pregnancy, adapting the evaluation and solutions to their clinical needs.

Yes. Our remote DSE assessments are carried out by live, secure video call against the same DSE requirements as our in-person assessments, with the same level of reporting and clinical oversight. They are a practical, scalable option for hybrid teams across Ireland.

A typical assessment takes 30 to 45 minutes per employee. That gives our assessor time to review the workstation and environment, show the employee how to sit and set up correctly, and make adjustments there and then.

Each employee receives a detailed report with a RAG (red, amber, green) risk rating and prioritised recommendations. Reports are added to the KOS DSE Management Portal, giving you a full record of every assessment, a cost breakdown of any equipment needed, and a clear view of which actions are still open.

Assess each DSE user when they start, and carry out a new assessment whenever something changes, such as a move to a new workstation, new equipment or technology, or an employee reporting discomfort. The Regulations do not set a fixed renewal period, but many employers also review assessments periodically as part of their safety management system.

Yes. The 2005 Act requires employers to carry out risk assessments and to have them in writing, and DSE assessments form part of that. Keep each assessment on file, update it when circumstances change, and make sure actions are followed through. Every KOS assessment is stored in our management portal so your records are always in one place.

Yes. A laptop used as a significant part of someone's normal work is display screen equipment like any other, and usually needs a separate keyboard, mouse and a raised screen to be set up safely. With hot-desking, every desk a DSE user works at must meet the minimum requirements, and staff should be shown how to adjust shared chairs, screens and desks themselves.

It depends on how they use a screen, not on their contract or hours. If an employee habitually uses a screen as a significant part of their normal work, they are a DSE user and need an assessment. Hybrid employees should have both their office and home workstations assessed, using a combination of in-person and remote assessments.

HSA inspectors can issue improvement directions, improvement notices or prohibition notices, and serious breaches of the 2005 Act can be prosecuted. Just as importantly, without assessments you have no record showing you identified and reduced workstation risks if an employee develops a work-related condition. See the HSA DSE guidance for more detail.

Yes, if you want us to. Our assessments are completely bias-free, so you are under no obligation to buy recommended equipment from us. Many clients prefer an end-to-end service, so we can supply products from our own ergonomic range with nationwide delivery and professional installation, at home or in the office.

It depends on the number of employees, whether assessments are onsite or remote, and whether anyone needs a detailed medical or pregnancy assessment. Group bookings, such as half-day and full-day sessions, are usually the most cost-effective way to assess a team. Fill in the form below and we'll send a tailored quote.