Course Outline
Introduction to Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
Understanding DSE & VDU Workstations
• Definition of Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
• What constitutes a VDU workstation
• Typical office, remote, and hybrid workstation environments
• Modern workplace trends and ergonomic considerations
Workplace Impact of Poor Ergonomics
• Common causes of discomfort and injury
• Productivity and wellbeing implications
• Impact of prolonged screen use
• Organisational risks associated with poor workstation setup
Ergonomics Principles & Human Factors
Fundamentals of Workplace Ergonomics
• Understanding ergonomics principles
• Relationship between posture, movement, and workstation design
• Ergonomics and workplace performance
• Human factors influencing workstation comfort
Musculoskeletal Health Awareness
• Neck, shoulder, wrist, and back strain
• Repetitive movement considerations
• Sedentary work risks
• Early signs of ergonomic-related discomfort
Health Risks Associated with DSE Work
Physical Health Risks
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Postural strain and repetitive injuries
• Eye strain and visual fatigue
• Headaches and physical discomfort
Workplace Wellbeing Considerations
• Mental fatigue and concentration issues
• Importance of movement and breaks
• Supporting employee wellbeing within workstation design
Workstation Setup & Ergonomic Adjustment
Correct Workstation Configuration
• Chair setup and seating posture
• Screen height, distance, and positioning
• Keyboard and mouse positioning
• Desk layout and workspace organisation
Environmental Considerations
• Lighting and glare management
• Temperature and ventilation awareness
• Workspace spacing and organisation
• Noise and distraction considerations
Conducting DSE / VDU Risk Assessments
Assessment Methodology
• Structured workstation assessment process
• Identifying ergonomic hazards
• Reviewing workstation suitability
• Employee consultation during assessments
Recording Findings & Recommendations
• Completing assessment documentation
• Prioritising corrective actions
• Reporting ergonomic concerns
• Developing practical improvement recommendations
Risk Control & Workplace Improvements
Implementing Corrective Measures
• Adjusting workstation equipment
• Improving employee workstation habits
• Supporting safer workstation practices
• Encouraging posture variation and movement
Ongoing Ergonomic Management
• Monitoring workstation effectiveness
• Reviewing workstation changes
• Supporting continuous ergonomic awareness
Remote & Hybrid Working Assessments
Home Workstation Assessments
• Remote working ergonomic considerations
• Assessing temporary and flexible workspaces
• Practical workstation adjustments for home environments
Supporting Hybrid Employees
• Maintaining consistency across work environments
• Employee communication and support
• Remote assessment considerations
DSE / VDU Assessments as an Ongoing Responsibility
Organisational Safety Culture
• Reporting workstation issues
• Encouraging ergonomic awareness
• Supporting employee wellbeing initiatives
• Integrating ergonomics into workplace safety systems
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals responsible for workstation assessments, workplace wellbeing, and health & safety management, including:
• Human Resources Managers & Directors
• HR Business Partners
• Health & Safety Officers
• EHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Office Managers
• Workplace Wellbeing Coordinators
• Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Employees designated to carry out DSE assessments
• Remote and hybrid workplace coordinators
• Compliance and operational personnel
No prior DSE assessment experience is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Risk Reduction
Poor workstation setup can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, discomfort, fatigue, and reduced productivity.
Legal Responsibility
Employers are required to assess display screen equipment risks and ensure employees work within safe ergonomic conditions.
Workplace Wellbeing
Effective ergonomic practices support employee comfort, concentration, engagement, and long-term wellbeing.
Compliance
Training supports organisational obligations under Irish workplace health and safety legislation.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand ergonomic principles relevant to DSE workstations
• Recognise risks associated with poorly designed workstations
• Conduct structured DSE / VDU assessments
• Identify common ergonomic hazards and risk factors
• Recommend practical workstation improvements
• Support organisational compliance with Irish legislation
• Promote ongoing ergonomic awareness within workplaces
Course Format & Delivery
Instructor-led training
• Interactive discussion and workplace-based examples
• Practical workstation assessment methodology
• Scenario-based ergonomic analysis
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises, or
• Online Webinar
The course focuses on practical workstation assessment competence and workplace ergonomic awareness rather than theory-only instruction.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports employer obligations under:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 – Chapter 5: Display Screen Equipment
Irish legislation requires employers to:
• Assess risks associated with display screen equipment
• Ensure workstations meet ergonomic requirements
• Provide appropriate employee training and information
• Reduce risks associated with prolonged screen use
• Protect employee health and wellbeing in office-based environments
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional workplace safety training focused on practical risk management and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Practical workstation assessment skills
• Real workplace ergonomic scenarios
• Clear role understanding for assessors
• Observation-led ergonomic awareness
• Consistent professional delivery
• Workplace wellbeing and risk prevention
We position DSE / VDU assessment training as part of ongoing workplace wellbeing and organisational safety culture — not simply a compliance exercise.
FAQ's
Is DSE / VDU assessment training required in Ireland?
Irish legislation requires employers to assess risks associated with display screen equipment and ensure employees work within safe ergonomic conditions.
Who should carry out DSE assessments?
DSE assessments are commonly conducted by trained internal personnel such as HR representatives, health & safety officers, facilities teams, or designated ergonomics assessors.
Does the course include practical workstation assessment guidance?
Yes. Participants learn how to carry out structured workstation assessments and provide ergonomic improvement recommendations.
Is this course suitable for remote and hybrid workplaces?
Yes. The course includes guidance on assessing home workstations and supporting hybrid working arrangements.
How often should DSE assessments be reviewed?
Assessments should be reviewed periodically, when workstations change, or when employees report discomfort or ergonomic concerns.
