VDU/Ergonomic Assesments

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is how companies design tasks and work spaces to maximize the efficiency and quality of their employees' work.

What do employers need to do?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act and General Application Regulations, employers have an obligation to evaluate health and safety at workstations with particular reference to Physical difficulties, eye sight and mental stress.

The employer must:

Carry out a risk assessment of all workstations (conducted by competent person)
Consult with employees on issues affecting their health and safety
Identify the employees to whom the VDU(Visual Display Unit) Regulations apply
Provide a suitable environment and workstation equipment for VDU work Provide eye tests for employees who are classified as VDU users
Inform the employees of hazards associated with VDU's and of what has been done to protect the employee

What can we do:
The assessment is carried out by one of qualified Ergonomists who will individually assess each work station.

The assessment will identify whether adjustments need to be made for the users at the workstation as well as training.

The workstation assessment will look at all areas of the workstation including the desk, chair, PC and accessories, printers and other equipment relevant to the workstation as well as work space, lighting, heating and ventilation etc.

What are the benefits of Ergonomics and VDU Assessments?

Avoid errors which will cost employer financially
Ensures incresased productivity of staff through increased operator comfort
Reduce risk of injury claims
Reduce the incidence of absenteeism through repeditive strain injury