Here is the ergonomics legislation from
Ireland
The information here was collated from publicly available online sources by Ergo Global ergonomist, Orlaith O’Neill. Some parts may have been edited for clarity or layout.
The Duties of
The Employer
- To ensure that the general use of display screen equipment (DSE) is not a source of risk for the employee.
- 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.
- 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.
- To provide information to employees in relation to the measures applicable to workstations which have been implemented.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- To comply with all relevant statutory provisions.
- To take reasonable care to protect the safety of themselves and others who might be affected by their acts and omissions.
- 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.
- 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.
- To co-operate with his or her employer so far as is necessary to enable compliance with the relevant statutory provisions.
- To not engage in any improper conduct or dangerous behaviour.
- To attend training and undergo such assessment as may be necessary.
- To make correct use of any article or substance provided for use or for the protection of the employee, including protective clothing and equipment.
- 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.
- 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.
Penalties
Most offences, including any breaches of Regulations under the 2005 Act may be tried either in summary proceedings in the District Court…
…or on indictment in the Circuit Court…
where the maximum penalty is €3,000,000 and/or…
The information on this page comes from...
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
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