Ocular Discomfort, Musculoskeletal Difficulties, and Physiological Effects of Long-Term Video Display Terminal Usage

摘要

A comprehensive Research Index was prepared to summarize the existing state of knowledge concerning alledged radiation hazards, visual dysfunction, musculoskeletal problems, and various stress-related symptoms that have been linked to continuous video display terminal (VDT) operation. A review of available equipment options to meet the ergonomic needs of VDT operators was also completed. Current Department data entry operations were assessed in terms of (1) objective measures of operators' workstations and the overall work environment; and (2) subjective, questionnaire data expressing operators' ratings of both the frequency and severity with which they experience a wide range of symptoms and their level of satisfaction with designated equipment and job characteristics. Where negative aspects of current operations were identified, enhancements were introduced and evaluated in a pilot study. Results indicated strong, statistically significant before-after gains in worker satisfaction, with virtually no evidence of test bias.