Here is the ergonomics legislation from
Ireland
The information here was collated from official online sources by Ergo Global ergonomists. All information is for general purposes and cannot be considered 1-to-1 legal advice. Ergo Global disclaim any liability relating to the information provided on this page.
To Note
Ireland does not have a single “ergonomics act,” but ergonomics regulation is integrated into its Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations.
Page last updated: 30/01/2026
The Duties of
The Employer
- Risk avoidance - To ensure that the general use of display screen equipment (DSE) is not a source of risk for the employee.
- Workstation analysis - To perform an analysis of the workstation in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions to which it gives rise for the employees, particularly as regards possible risks to eyesight, physical problems and problems of mental stress, and, on the basis of that evaluation, take appropriate measures to remedy any risks found.
- Activity planning - To plan the activities of the employees in such a way that daily work on display screen equipment is periodically interrupted by breaks or changes of activity which reduce workload at the display screen.
- Information - To provide information to employees in relation to the measures applicable to workstations which have been implemented.
- Training - To provide training to employees in the use of workstations before commencing work with display screen equipment and whenever the organisation of the workstation is substantially modified.
- Circumstance change - To perform a further analysis of the workstation when an employee transfers to a new workstation, or if significant new work equipment, change of equipment or new technology is introduces at an individual's workstation.
- Eyesight test - To provide an appropriate eye and eyesight test, carried out by a competent person to every employee before commencing display screen work, at regular intervals thereafter, and for any employee experiencing visual difficulties which may be due to display screen work.
- Special corrective appliances - If the results of an eye or eyesight test under this Regulation show that it is necessary, an ophthalmologic examination is carried out on the employee concerned, and where the results of a test or an examination under this Regulation show that it is necessary, and if normal corrective appliances cannot be used, the employee concerned is provided with special corrective appliances appropriate to his or her work.
The Duties of
The Employee
- Compliance - To comply with all relevant statutory provisions.
- Be safe - To take reasonable care to protect the safety of themselves and others who might be affected by their acts and omissions.
- Avoid intoxication - To ensure they are not under the influence of an intoxicant or in such a state that they might be a danger to themselves or others.
- Comply with testing - To submit to reasonable, appropriate testing, if reasonably required by the employer. The Act gives scope for Regulations to be made that provide for employees to be required to undergo tests for intoxicants to be carried out by or under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner. Such Regulations are yet to be developed and until they are made, an employer may not require such testing although local agreements may apply. The employer may, however, prevent an employee from working if it is apparent that he or she would be a danger to themselves or others.
- Co-operate - To co-operate with his or her employer so far as is necessary to enable compliance with the relevant statutory provisions.
- Avoid poor behaviour - To not engage in any improper conduct or dangerous behaviour.
- Attend training - To attend training and undergo such assessment as may be necessary.
- Use PPE - To make correct use of any article or substance provided for use or for the protection of the employee, including protective clothing and equipment.
- Report endangering acts - To report to his or her employer as soon as practicable any work being carried out which might endanger themselves or others, any defects in the place of work, the system of work, any article or substance which might endanger themselves or others, or any contravention of the relevant statutory provisions of which he/she is aware.
- Disclose health issues - To notify the employer or the employer‘s nominated registered practitioner if they become aware that they are suffering from any disease or physical or mental impairment which affects their performance of work activities that could give rise to risks to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work. The duty is on the employee to protect themselves and others.
What's next?
Step 1
Run an ergonomics audit following these regulations.
Step 2
List out the gaps in your ergonomics policy.
Step 4
Contact Ergo Global for more support where needed.
