Online Level 1 DSE & VDU Course | Beginner
1
Become a Certified Ergonomic Assessor
Fully Certified - Beginner Level 1 Course
Course Overview This Level 1 course equips participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills to carry out Visual Display Unit (VDU) / Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments in compliance with Irish and European legislation. Designed for professionals involved in workplace health and safety, this course helps ensure safe workstation practices, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and promote overall employee wellbeing in office environments.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for individuals seeking a foundational qualification in ergonomic assessments. To attend, you should be:
A professional involved in workplace health and safety.
Responsible for ensuring safe workstation practices and employee wellbeing.
Interested in supporting the development of company policies on safe computer workstation practices.
Course Content
The curriculum includes a review of regulations, ergonomics, and practical assessment techniques:
Legislation: Review of Irish and EU Health & Safety regulations and legal requirements.
Ergonomics: Introduction to ergonomics and anthropometrics for office-based work.
Hazard Identification: Identifying risks associated with VDU/DSE use, including eyesight and posture.
Modern Workplace Issues: Review of case studies regarding hot-desking, sit-stand desks, and home working.
Practical Assessments: Techniques for conducting thorough workstation assessments and evaluations.
Policy Development: Guidance on advising and assisting in shaping organisational DSE policies.
Course Details
Delivered Online
Full-Day Course - 9am-5pm
Fully Certified For 3 Years
Assess In-Person
Full Course Information Pack - Post-Completion
Complete After-Care From KOS Training Academy
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Posture Tips & Improved Ergonomics
Sitting for long periods can often lead to discomfort or pain, especially in areas like your hips, lower back, and tailbone. Here are some simple, effective tips to help improve your posture and reduce common issues like hip pain when sitting, lower back pain when sitting, and tailbone pain when sitting.
1. Support Your Lower Back
If your lower back hurts when sitting, it's often due to a lack of proper support. Make sure your chair has good lumbar support to keep your spine aligned. You can also use a small cushion to provide extra support if needed.
2. Keep Your Hips at the Right Angle
When your hip hurts when sitting, it may be due to poor alignment. Your hips should be level with or slightly higher than your knees. Adjust your chair height so your feet are flat on the ground and your knees form a 90-degree angle. This can help reduce hip joint pain while sitting and prevent buttock pain when sitting and lying down.
3. Adjust Your Seat Position
For those dealing with coccyx pain when sitting or a sore tailbone from sitting, ensure your seat isn’t pressing too hard on your tailbone. Try a cushion with a cut-out section to relieve pressure on the tailbone and improve comfort.
4. Move Regularly
If you feel buttock ache when sitting or hip discomfort when sitting, it's a sign that your body needs a break. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk every 30-60 minutes. Regular movement can ease tension and prevent hip ache when sitting or lower back pain while sitting.
5. Exercise for Strength and Flexibility
A good workout for back pain can strengthen your core and back muscles, reducing discomfort. Exercises like gentle stretches or yoga can help relieve bottom pain when sitting, butt pain while sitting, and improve overall posture.
By following these posture tips and incorporating ergonomic tips into your daily routine, you can reduce discomfort and improve your overall well-being while sitting. Make sure to listen to your body and adjust your workspace as needed to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Download Your FREE Posture Watch Poster!
Get Serious About Your Posture With This Helpful, Free Reminder!
Strategic Organisational Benefits
Reclaim Lost Productivity: Identify specific areas where employees are physically struggling with their workstations, which directly impacts focus and output.
Cost Efficiency & Revenue Growth: Implementing internal DSE assessments helps identify operational areas where costs can be reduced—such as optimising workstation energy efficiency—while supporting revenue growth through a more energised workforce.
Proactive Stress Management: Poorly configured workstations are a significant source of physical and mental stress; training your own assessor allows you to resolve these environmental triggers before they impact employee morale.
Measurable Decrease in Absenteeism: By fostering a safer and more comfortable environment, you proactively address the root causes of workplace strain, leading to a noticeable reduction in staff absenteeism.
Modern Workplace Adaptability
This course goes beyond traditional office setups to address the specific challenges of today’s flexible working world:
The Hybrid & Remote Era: Gain specific expertise in assessing home working environments, laptop usage, and mobile device ergonomics to protect staff outside the traditional office.
Dynamic Office Trends: Learn to manage the ergonomic risks associated with hot-desking, sit-stand workstations, and multi-user environments.
Anthropometrics & Physiology: Understand the science of how different body types interact with office furniture, ensuring that "standard" equipment works for every individual in your diverse workforce.
Interactive Learning Experience
Delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, this full-day programme (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) is designed for high engagement and immediate practical application:
Multimedia Instruction: The session utilises high-quality explainer videos, live polls, and interactive group exercises to ensure knowledge is retained and easily applied.
Practical Validation: To ensure your organisation is truly compliant, participants must pass both a theory exam and a practical workstation assessment.
HSA Approved Certification: Your qualification is fully certified for three years, providing your organisation with long-term peace of mind and legal security.
Comprehensive Post-Course Support
KOS Academy After-Care: Participants receive complete after-care support to help navigate complex real-world assessments following the course.
Full Information Pack: Each delegate receives a detailed post-completion pack, serving as a vital reference guide for performing thorough in-person assessments.
Alternative Products
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