Ireland · Explainer
What Is a VDU Assessment?
A plain-English explanation of VDU (display screen equipment) assessments in the Irish context — what they are, what they cover, and who should carry them out.
A VDU assessment is a structured risk assessment of an employee’s display screen equipment workstation — screen, keyboard, desk, chair, lighting, software and work organisation — carried out by a competent person to identify and remedy risks to eyesight, posture and stress. In Ireland it is required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.
VDU, DSE or workstation assessment — what's the difference?
Nothing, in substance. “VDU” (visual display unit) is the term used in Irish legislation and HSA guidance; “DSE” (display screen equipment) is the equivalent UK term; “workstation assessment” and “ergonomic assessment” are common informal names. If you’re an Irish employer, the legally relevant term is VDU — but the assessment is the same exercise.
What the assessment covers
- The display: image clarity, size, brightness, position and adjustability.
- Input devices: keyboard and mouse position, wrist posture, desk space.
- Seating and posture: chair adjustability, back support, feet and leg room.
- The environment: lighting, glare and reflections, noise, heat, humidity.
- Software and task design: whether the software is suitable for the task, and whether the work is planned with breaks or changes of activity.
- The person: how the individual actually sits and works — the part a checklist can’t capture.
