Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment Template for Ireland

As an employer in Ireland, you are legally required to conduct Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessments for employees who regularly use computers, tablets, or other display screen equipment as a significant part of their work. This assessment helps identify potential health and safety risks associated with DSE use and ensures your workplace complies with Irish health and safety regulations.

When do you need this document?

You must complete a DSE risk assessment when setting up new workstations, before new employees begin DSE work, or when making substantial changes to existing workstations. The assessment is also required following employee health complaints related to DSE use, during periodic workplace safety reviews, or when introducing new display screen equipment. If your employees spend more than one hour continuously or several hours daily using DSE, this assessment becomes a legal necessity. Additionally, you should review and update assessments annually or when workplace conditions change significantly.

Key legal considerations

Your DSE risk assessment must evaluate workstation ergonomics, including screen position, chair adjustability, and desk setup to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Environmental factors such as lighting levels, glare reduction, noise control, and temperature must be assessed to ensure comfortable working conditions. The document should identify specific health risks including eye strain, repetitive strain injuries, and postural problems, along with corresponding control measures. You must also consider employee training needs, break patterns, and any special requirements for employees with existing health conditions. Failure to conduct proper DSE assessments can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Authority and potential liability for work-related injuries.

Legal requirements in Ireland

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, specifically Chapter 5 of Part 2, employers must ensure DSE workstations meet minimum safety and health requirements derived from EU Directive 90/270/EEC. The regulations mandate that qualified personnel conduct assessments, though this can include trained supervisors or safety officers rather than external specialists. Your assessment must cover display screen specifications, keyboard and mouse positioning, work surface requirements, and seating arrangements. Irish law requires you to provide appropriate eye and eyesight tests for DSE users and supply corrective equipment if needed for DSE work. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 establishes the overarching framework requiring systematic risk assessment and management. You must maintain assessment records, implement identified control measures, and provide adequate information, instruction, and training to DSE users on safe working practices.