Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from the Display Screen Equipment and Ergonomics in Pharmacy Practice course.

These resources are for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, medicines counter staff, delivery staff, managers, locums and other pharmacy team members. They give practical guidance on display screen equipment, workstation setup, posture, work routines and breaks, eye tests, upper limb symptoms, and workplace adjustments.

1. Core DSE Guidance

• HSE - Working safely with display screen equipment
  The main HSE overview page for DSE work, covering workstations, posture, work routine and breaks, eye tests, training, and special circumstances such as pregnancy or epilepsy.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

• HSE - Display screen equipment work: Work routine and breaks
  Explains why short, frequent breaks or activity changes are generally better than occasional long breaks, and advises employers to plan work so DSE users can move and change posture.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/work-routine.htm

2. Assessment, Eye Tests, and Employer Duties

• HSE - Display screen equipment workstations and assessment
  Guidance on when workstations should be assessed, what employers should check, and when reviews are needed because of a new user, a changed setup, or reported discomfort.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/assessment.htm

• HSE - Eyes and eyesight testing for DSE work
  Explains the employer duty to provide an eye test for DSE users who request one, and when special DSE glasses may be required.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/eye-tests.htm

• HSE - Display screen equipment work: Guidance for employers
  A concise HSE leaflet summarising employer duties, DSE user responsibilities, assessments, breaks, eye tests and training. Useful for managers and governance leads who need the main legal points in one place.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.htm

3. Ergonomics, Repetition, and Upper Limb Risk

• HSE - Upper limb disorders
  A practical HSE page on causes of upper limb disorders, including repetition, awkward posture, duration and poor work organisation, and on recognising early symptoms such as aching, tingling, weakness or numbness.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/uld/

• HSE - Managing upper limb disorders in the workplace
  A short leaflet outlining risk factors and practical measures to reduce repetitive strain and other upper limb problems in routine work.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg171.htm

4. Northern Ireland Guidance

• HSENI - Display screen equipment
  A Northern Ireland overview of DSE risks and requirements, with links to current HSE guidance. Relevant for those working under the Northern Ireland framework.
  https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/display-screen-equipment

Use these readings to reinforce knowledge of DSE duties, workstation assessment, eye care, breaks, posture, repetition and upper limb symptoms, and to inform practical adjustments that make pharmacy work safer and more comfortable.