An ergonomic assessment is a structured evaluation of how a person's work, tasks, workstation, equipment and environment interact and where changes may reduce musculoskeletal or other ergonomic risks. It is broader than a DSE assessment when it covers non-screen work, complex cases or task-specific demands. Depending on the issue, an assessment may include an initial consultation, observation of the work, measurements, review of equipment and work organisation, and a written report with practical controls. The International Ergonomics Association describes ergonomics and human factors as both a scientific discipline concerned with interactions between people and other elements of a system and a profession that applies evidence to optimise human wellbeing and system performance.
An ergonomic assessment may be commissioned where a DSE assessment identifies the need for specialist input, where an employee reports persistent discomfort, during return-to-work planning, or where a role has significant non-screen ergonomic risks.
The Irish Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (IHFES), formerly the Irish Ergonomics Society, is the Irish federated society recognised by the International Ergonomics Association.
Membership of IHFES should not be described as chartership. The International Ergonomics Association states that IHFES does not itself certify human-factors and ergonomics professionals directly.
Reviewed by our specialist ergonomics team. Last updated 11 June 2026.
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