Reading List

Official and authoritative sources used to develop this course. They support practical DSE practice, workstation assessment, visual comfort, upper limb risk management and optical workplace safety arrangements.

1. Optical standards and workplace safety

• GOC - Standards for Optical Businesses
  The business standards cover safe care, suitable environments, regulatory compliance, governance, staff training, supervision and support. They provide practical requirements for optical workplace safety culture.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-for-optical-businesses.html

2. Core HSE DSE guidance

• HSE - Working safely with display screen equipment
  Overview of DSE user duties, workstation assessment, risk reduction, breaks, eye tests and staff training.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

• HSE - Workstations and assessment
  Explains when workstation assessments are required or should be reviewed, including new workstations, new users, changed setups and reports of pain or discomfort.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/assessment.htm

• HSE - Good posture when using display screen equipment
  Practical advice on chair, screen, keyboard, mouse and desk layout to reduce postural strain.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/good-posture.htm

• HSE - Work routine and breaks
  Explains why short, frequent breaks or changes of activity are usually preferable to occasional longer breaks for reducing discomfort.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/work-routine.htm

3. Eye tests, training and checklists

• HSE - Eyes and eyesight testing
  Employer duties to arrange DSE eye tests on request and to provide basic corrective glasses where required for DSE work.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/eye-tests.htm

• HSE - Training and information
  What DSE users should be trained and informed about, including posture, furniture adjustment, glare, breaks, assessments and reporting problems.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/training-information.htm

• HSE - DSE workstation checklist
  A practical checklist for assessing display screen equipment workstations.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.htm

4. Upper limb and Northern Ireland guidance

• HSE - Upper limb disorders
  Guidance on risk factors, symptoms and controls for aches, pains, tingling, numbness, weakness and stiffness affecting the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and fingers.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/uld/

• HSENI - Display Screen Equipment
  Northern Ireland guidance on DSE, risk factors, employer duties, controls, consultation, training and eye testing.
  https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/display-screen-equipment

• HSENI - Ergonomics
  Explains ergonomics as the fit between a person and their work, including physical, cognitive and organisational factors.
  https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/ergonomics

Use these sources alongside your employer's DSE assessment process, local health and safety policy, workstation review arrangements and any occupational health advice.