Display Terminal Work Research Articles

Work with video display terminals among office employees. II. Physical exposure factors.

This is the second report in a major epidemiologic health investigation on work with a video display terminal (VDT). The first study showed that VDT operators reported more eye discomfort than a reference group not employed in VDT work and that women reported more eye discomfort, musculoskeletal complaints, headache, and skin disorders than men, regardless of whether they worked with a VDT or not. The present report contains the results of the occupational hygiene measurements (indoor climate, lighting and electrostatic conditions). Considerable differences were found between VDT operators and referents and also between sexes. Indications were obtained of a possible relationship between eye discomfort and luminance ratios in the working field of vision. Otherwise, no association could be established between occupational exposure factors and subjective eye discomfort, musculoskeletal complaints, headache, or skin disorders.

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Stress Effects of VDT Work

Muscular aches and pains are among the major complaints voiced by video display terminal (VDT) operators. In studies from Europe and the United States large percentages (over 50%) of VDT operators report back pain, sore shoulders, and stiff and sore necks. The type of VDT job task influences the level of complaints, with clerical VDT operators reporting higher levels than professional VDT users. The application of ergonomics to reduce muscular loads should benefit VDT operators. Suggestions for workstation design and administrative controls are presented.