Work System and Job Design Factors in Preventing Wmsds in VDT Operators

Abstract

Recent research is reviewed which indicates conventional work station design ergonomics is insufficient, by itself, to prevent WMSDs in typical VDT jobs; and that work system design and related psychosocial variables appear critical. Three common system design practices are cited as the basis for the widespread poor design of VDT work systems and jobs. Macroergonomics is proposed as a work system and job design approach that circumvents the deficiencies of these three common design practices. Specific job design factors from the literature are identified.