Welcome

Many pharmacy roles combine screen work with standing, repetitive hand tasks, leaning and reaching. Poor workstation setup and unhelpful habits can cause gradual discomfort, eye strain, fatigue and upper limb problems that are often dismissed as part of the job.

This course is for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, medicines counter staff, delivery staff, managers, locums and other pharmacy team members. It describes the risks linked to display screen equipment, posture, repetition and fatigue, and explains practical habits and workplace adjustments that reduce avoidable harm.

Why This Course Matters

Pharmacy work includes tasks that increase ergonomic risk: prolonged screen use, standing at counters or benches, leaning over surfaces, repeating the same hand movements and remaining in one posture. These patterns can lead to discomfort, eye strain and musculoskeletal problems if not recognised or addressed promptly.

• Understand the wider picture: see how DSE fits into broader ergonomic risks in pharmacy.
• Recognise warning signs: spot early signs such as discomfort, eye strain, fatigue, awkward posture and upper limb symptoms.
• Use safer everyday habits: improve workstation setup, increase movement and vary tasks where possible, and report issues.
• Support healthier work: learn how layout changes, simple adjustments and regular review can reduce avoidable strain.

How This Course Will Help You

On completion you will be better able to identify ergonomic risks in pharmacy settings, adjust screens and workstations to reduce strain, manage risks from standing and repetitive tasks, and contribute to safer working practices.