Online Level 1 DSE & VDU Course | Beginner
1
Become Your Company's Certified DSE Assessor — in One Day, Online
CPD-approved training that gives you the legal knowledge and practical skills to run compliant workstation assessments, no prior experience needed.
Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to confidently carry out Display Screen Equipment (DSE) / Visual Display Unit (VDU) assessments with our Level 1 DSE Assessor Course. It is designed specifically for beginners, HR personnel, office managers and safety officers. This live, one-day DSE assessor training ensures your organisation stays fully compliant with both Irish and European health and safety legislation.
Poorly configured workstations are a leading cause of physical stress and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the office. By training your own internal DSE assessor, you can proactively identify hazards, reclaim lost employee productivity, and ensure safe workstation practices across your entire organisation.
Course Details & Structure
- Format: Live interactive online training delivered via Microsoft Teams or Zoom
- Duration: Full-Day Course (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Certification: Fully certified for 3 years upon successful completion
- Target Focus: Basic DSE legislation, standard in-person individual assessments, and workstation setup
- Post-Course Support: Includes a Full Course Information Pack post-completion
- Guarantee: Complete after-care support provided by the KOS Training Academy
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About the Level 1 DSE Assessor Course
Irish employers must assess the workstations of employees who regularly use display screen equipment, under Chapter 5, Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Those assessments must be carried out by a "Competent Person."
The Level 1 DSE Assessor Course is our foundation qualification for new assessors. It gives you the legal knowledge, core ergonomic principles and step-by-step assessment technique to carry out and document compliant DSE assessments for office-based staff.
What the Course Covers
- Legislation: Irish and EU DSE requirements, and your organisation's legal duties
- Ergonomics & Anthropometrics: How different body types interact with office furniture and equipment
- Hazard Identification: Recognising posture, eyesight and musculoskeletal risks linked to DSE use
- Modern Office Setups: Hot-desks, sit-stand desks, multi-user workstations, and laptop use in the office
- Assessment Technique: A step-by-step method for carrying out, recording and following up on workstation assessments
Assessment: To certify, you must pass a theory exam and a practical workstation assessment.
What You'll Be Qualified to Do
On successful completion, you will be certified for 3 years to:
- Carry out compliant DSE assessments for office-based employees
- Identify ergonomic risks before they cause discomfort or injury
- Recommend practical workstation changes and suitable equipment
- Coach staff on chair setup, screen position and healthy working habits
- Keep audit-ready assessment records
Need to assess home or hybrid workers? Level 1 is the prerequisite for our Remote DSE Assessor Course. To handle complex cases, existing injuries or specialist equipment, progress to our Level 2 Advanced DSE Assessor Course.
What's Included
- CPD-approved KOS Training Academy certificate, valid for 3 years
- Assessor Toolkit: risk assessment templates aligned with HSA guidance, ergonomic inspection checklists and reference materials
- Full Course Information Pack
- Ongoing after-care support from the KOS Training Academy
Who Should Attend?
No prior experience is needed. This course is ideal for:
- Individuals looking to upskill
- HR professionals and office managers
- Health & Safety officers and representatives
- Facilities managers and team leaders
- Anyone designated to manage workstation compliance in their organisation
Trained by Clinical Ergonomics Experts
The course is delivered by KOS's clinical ergonomics team, made up of practising physiotherapists and ergonomic specialists, not generic safety trainers. You learn the "why" behind posture and pain, not just a checklist. KOS has been Ireland's ergonomics specialist since 1991 and has trained teams at Dell, Google, VHI, PTSB, Abbott, Deloitte, Virgin Media and the HSE.
What Our Graduates Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Perfect Starting Point for HR" "I had no prior background in health and safety, but as our HR manager, it fell to me to ensure our office was compliant. This Level 1 course was incredibly accessible. James broke down the legislation perfectly, and I now feel entirely confident performing standard workstation setups for our new hires." — Claire D., HR Manager
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly Interactive and Practical" "I was worried a full-day online course would be draining, but the multimedia approach, live polls, and breakout sessions kept it highly engaging. The practical assessment at the end ensured I actually understood how to apply the anthropometrics we learned to real-life desks." — Sean T., Office Administrator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great Coverage of Modern Office Trends" "What I appreciated most was that the training didn't just focus on old-school cubicles. We covered hot-desking, sit-stand desks, and laptop use. It’s highly relevant to the way modern offices actually function today. Excellent value for any company looking to train internal staff." — Fiona L., Health & Safety Representative
Discover More About Our Courses Here: DSE training Course & Assessor Training Ireland | KOS Training Academy
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!
About the Level 1 DSE Assessor Course
Irish employers must assess the workstations of employees who regularly use display screen equipment, under Chapter 5, Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Those assessments must be carried out by a "Competent Person."
The Level 1 DSE Assessor Course is our foundation qualification for new assessors. It gives you the legal knowledge, core ergonomic principles and step-by-step assessment technique to carry out and document compliant DSE assessments for office-based staff.
What the Course Covers
- Legislation: Irish and EU DSE requirements, and your organisation's legal duties
- Ergonomics & Anthropometrics: How different body types interact with office furniture and equipment
- Hazard Identification: Recognising posture, eyesight and musculoskeletal risks linked to DSE use
- Modern Office Setups: Hot-desks, sit-stand desks, multi-user workstations, and laptop use in the office
- Assessment Technique: A step-by-step method for carrying out, recording and following up on workstation assessments
Assessment: To certify, you must pass a theory exam and a practical workstation assessment.
What You'll Be Qualified to Do
On successful completion, you will be certified for 3 years to:
- Carry out compliant DSE assessments for office-based employees
- Identify ergonomic risks before they cause discomfort or injury
- Recommend practical workstation changes and suitable equipment
- Coach staff on chair setup, screen position and healthy working habits
- Keep audit-ready assessment records
Need to assess home or hybrid workers? Level 1 is the prerequisite for our Remote DSE Assessor Course. To handle complex cases, existing injuries or specialist equipment, progress to our Level 2 Advanced DSE Assessor Course.
What's Included
- CPD-approved KOS Training Academy certificate, valid for 3 years
- Assessor Toolkit: risk assessment templates aligned with HSA guidance, ergonomic inspection checklists and reference materials
- Full Course Information Pack
- Ongoing after-care support from the KOS Training Academy
Who Should Attend?
No prior experience is needed. This course is ideal for:
- Individuals looking to upskill
- HR professionals and office managers
- Health & Safety officers and representatives
- Facilities managers and team leaders
- Anyone designated to manage workstation compliance in their organisation
Trained by Clinical Ergonomics Experts
The course is delivered by KOS's clinical ergonomics team, made up of practising physiotherapists and ergonomic specialists, not generic safety trainers. You learn the "why" behind posture and pain, not just a checklist. KOS has been Ireland's ergonomics specialist since 1991 and has trained teams at Dell, Google, VHI, PTSB, Abbott, Deloitte, Virgin Media and the HSE.
What Our Graduates Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Perfect Starting Point for HR" "I had no prior background in health and safety, but as our HR manager, it fell to me to ensure our office was compliant. This Level 1 course was incredibly accessible. James broke down the legislation perfectly, and I now feel entirely confident performing standard workstation setups for our new hires." — Claire D., HR Manager
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly Interactive and Practical" "I was worried a full-day online course would be draining, but the multimedia approach, live polls, and breakout sessions kept it highly engaging. The practical assessment at the end ensured I actually understood how to apply the anthropometrics we learned to real-life desks." — Sean T., Office Administrator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great Coverage of Modern Office Trends" "What I appreciated most was that the training didn't just focus on old-school cubicles. We covered hot-desking, sit-stand desks, and laptop use. It’s highly relevant to the way modern offices actually function today. Excellent value for any company looking to train internal staff." — Fiona L., Health & Safety Representative
Discover More About Our Courses Here: DSE training Course & Assessor Training Ireland | KOS Training Academy
Alternative Products
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Group Training | Level 2 VDU Assessor Course | Advanced/Refresher
Online Level 2 DSE Assessor Course | Advanced/Refresher
Performing A DSE Compliant Remote Assessment | DSE Assessor Course
Group Training | Remote DSE Assessor Course | DSE Group Assessor Course
Try Before You Buy
Not sure which setup is right for you? Visit our Dublin or Tipperary showrooms to test our full range of ergonomic office chairs, sit-stand desks, mice, keyboards, and accessories. You'll get free 1-1 ergonomic advice on the day from our experts to ensure you choose the equipment that works best for your body. Can't make it in person? Book a consultation via our online virtual studio.
Book Your Consultation Below
Dublin
Showroom
Tipperary
Showroom
Online
Virtual
Try Before You Buy
Not sure which setup is right for you? Visit our Dublin or Tipperary showrooms to test our full range of ergonomic office chairs, sit-stand desks, mice, keyboards, and accessories. You'll get free 1-1 ergonomic advice on the day from our experts to ensure you choose the equipment that works best for your body. Can't make it in person? Book a consultation via our online virtual studio.
Book Your Consultation Below
Dublin
Showroom
Tipperary
Showroom
Online
Virtual
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