VDU Assessment and Workstation Assessments

All employers are required to evaluate health and safety at workstations particularly with regard to physical strain, eyesight and stress. HSA guidance states that each employer must carry out an analysis of individual workstations and this must be done by a competent person with the necessary skills, training and experience.

HSA guidance goes on to state that "It is not sufficient to allow employees to use a software package to assess their own workstations, the employer must be actively engaged in completing a physical risk assessment/analysis of the individual workstation".

VDU Assessments - Why Are They Required?

Habitual and prolonged use of VDUs can cause discomfort and pain in the shoulder, neck, hand and arm. These conditions are collectively described as Upper Limb Disorders. Where problems do occur, they are generally as a result of how VDUs are used, rather than the VDUs themselves. These problems can generally be avoided by good workplace and job design, and by adjusting the way VDU and workstation are used.

Chapter 5 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 requires all employers to assess the risks associated with VDUs. Additionally, employers must plan the work, provide information and training, and perform a further analysis of the works if there has been significant change to it. The regulations also provide for eye tests and corrective lenses for users of VDUs.

Business Safety will conduct your VDU assessments and offer expert advice on compliance with the Regulations and resolving any issues identified.

How do i know if i need to carry out an assessment?

There are a few questions you can ask yourself if you are wondering whether a VDU or workstation assessment is necessary for your company.

· Are employees required to use VDUs to carry out his or her work?
· Do employees normally use a VDU for continuous periods of more than one hour?
· Are VDUs generally used on a daily basis?
· Have employees complained about physical discomfort, eye-strain or stress when using a VDU?

BusinessSafety.ie offer a workstation and VDU assessment by a competent person. We will provide you with a detailed report on improvements and possible issues in relation to your companies VDU / workstation setup. For further information, call us today on 0818 333 212 or click here