VDT OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS. VDT OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS Objectives l Identify and Evaluate the Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated With VDT Environments

VDTOCCUPATIONALERGONOMICS

VDTOCCUPATIONALERGONOMICS

VDTOCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS

Objectives


Objectives

Identify and Evaluate the Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated With VDT Environments

Develop Effective Engineering and Administrative Controls to Minimize Exposures Associated With VDT Environments

Identify and Evaluate the Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated With VDT Environments

Develop Effective Engineering and Administrative Controls to Minimize Exposures Associated With VDT Environments

CURRENT VDT ISSUESCURRENT VDT ISSUES

Visual Discomfort Electromagnetic Frequency ( EMF ) Exposure Fatigue / Stress Musculoskeletal Disorders

Visual Discomfort Electromagnetic Frequency ( EMF ) Exposure Fatigue / Stress Musculoskeletal Disorders

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Complaints

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Complaints

Eye Strain - Largest Single Complaint Burning / Itching Eyes Headaches Cataracts

Eye Strain - Largest Single Complaint Burning / Itching Eyes Headaches Cataracts

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Causes

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Causes

Eye Muscle Strain / Fatigue Dry Eyes Uncorrected Vision Problems Vision Correcting Eyewear - Focusing Difficulties Possible Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ ) Relationship

Eye Muscle Strain / Fatigue Dry Eyes Uncorrected Vision Problems Vision Correcting Eyewear - Focusing Difficulties Possible Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ ) Relationship

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Current Consensus

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Current Consensus No Evidence That VDT Work Leads

to Visual Damage No Proven Correlation Between VDT Usage

and Cataracts Eye Muscle Strain / Fatigue

– Lighting / Glare

– Monitor Height & Distance to Eyes

– Visual Concentration on Monitor

Dry Eyes– VDT Environment Less Humid

– Eye Blink Rate: 3. 6 / Min VDT vs. 18. 4 / Min Normal

Regular Vision Exams Recommended

No Evidence That VDT Work Leads to Visual Damage

No Proven Correlation Between VDT Usageand Cataracts

Eye Muscle Strain / Fatigue – Lighting / Glare

– Monitor Height & Distance to Eyes

– Visual Concentration on Monitor

Dry Eyes– VDT Environment Less Humid

– Eye Blink Rate: 3. 6 / Min VDT vs. 18. 4 / Min Normal

Regular Vision Exams Recommended

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

Eye: Strain / Fatigue / Dryness

– Lighting / Glare» VDT: 50 fc / 500 Lux Optimum Light Level

» Office: 100 fc / 1,000 Lux Optimum Light Level

» Don’t Place VDT Directly Under Bright Overhead Lights

» Provide Indirect Lighting and Supplement With Task Lighting

» Place VDT Parallel to Windows

» Low Reflective Walls / Work Surfaces

» Anti-Glare Screens: Last Resort Only


– Lighting / Glare» VDT: 50 fc / 500 Lux Optimum Light Level

» Office: 100 fc / 1,000 Lux Optimum Light Level

» Don’t Place VDT Directly Under Bright Overhead Lights

» Provide Indirect Lighting and Supplement With Task Lighting

» Place VDT Parallel to Windows

» Low Reflective Walls / Work Surfaces

» Anti-Glare Screens: Last Resort Only

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures


–Ensure Monitor Display Quality» No Apparent Flicker (Older Monitors)

» Adjustable Brightness and Contrast

» High Resolution and Polarity

–Adjust Monitor Height and Distance» Top Character Line on Screen 15 - 20 Degrees

Below Horizontal Eye Level & Monitor Angled Appropriately Upward

» Eye to Screen Distance 20”- 40” ( Operator Preference Studies 25. 5”- 31” )


–Ensure Monitor Display Quality» No Apparent Flicker (Older Monitors)

» Adjustable Brightness and Contrast

» High Resolution and Polarity

–Adjust Monitor Height and Distance» Top Character Line on Screen 15 - 20 Degrees

Below Horizontal Eye Level & Monitor Angled Appropriately Upward

» Eye to Screen Distance 20”- 40” ( Operator Preference Studies 25. 5”- 31” )

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures


–Eye Focusing / Muscle Defatigue Exercises» 1 Min. Rest / Exercise Break ( Focus / Refocus )

After 15 Min. Continuous VDT Work

–Remember to Blink Eyes Frequently » > 18 Blinks / Min. Minimum to Refresh Eyes

–Contact Lens Wearers Should SupplementOwn Tears Via Eye / Rewetting Drops


–Eye Focusing / Muscle Defatigue Exercises» 1 Min. Rest / Exercise Break ( Focus / Refocus )

After 15 Min. Continuous VDT Work

–Remember to Blink Eyes Frequently » > 18 Blinks / Min. Minimum to Refresh Eyes

–Contact Lens Wearers Should SupplementOwn Tears Via Eye / Rewetting Drops

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

VISUAL DISCOMFORT

Control Measures

Vision / Eyewear

–Regular Eye Exams» New Hire / Transfer

» Annual

–VDT Specific Corrective Lenses» Fixed Focal Length

» No Bi / Tri-Focals

– Inform Optometrist / Ophthalmologist of VDT Work and Eye / Screen Distance» Some VDT Users May Need a Correction Diff.

From One Needed For Reading / Driving

Vision / Eyewear

–Regular Eye Exams» New Hire / Transfer

» Annual

–VDT Specific Corrective Lenses» Fixed Focal Length

» No Bi / Tri-Focals

– Inform Optometrist / Ophthalmologist of VDT Work and Eye / Screen Distance» Some VDT Users May Need a Correction Diff.

From One Needed For Reading / Driving

QUESTIONS ?QUESTIONS ?

ELECTROMAGNETICFREQUENCY (EMF) EXPOSURE

Complaints

ELECTROMAGNETICFREQUENCY (EMF) EXPOSURE

Complaints

Reproductive Disorders– Birth Defects

– Stillbirths

– Spontaneous Abortions

Cancer– Leukemia

– Lymphomas

– Central Nervous System

Cataracts Clusters of Reported Problems

Reproductive Disorders– Birth Defects

– Stillbirths

– Spontaneous Abortions

Cancer– Leukemia

– Lymphomas

– Central Nervous System

Cataracts Clusters of Reported Problems

EMF EXPOSURE

Concerns

EMF EXPOSURE

Concerns

EMF Radiation ?

– Ionizing» X-Ray

–Non-Ionizing» Infrared

» Microwave

» Radiowave

» VLF

» ELF

Or Are Other Factors the Real Issue ?

EMF Radiation ?

– Ionizing» X-Ray

–Non-Ionizing» Infrared

» Microwave

» Radiowave

» VLF

» ELF

Or Are Other Factors the Real Issue ?

EMF EXPOSURE

Current Consensus

EMF EXPOSURE

Current Consensus Recent Studies Conclude: Emissions of All Types

of EMFs Are Well Below Accepted Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Limits

No Direct Causal Link Established BetweenVDT Use and Reproductive Disorders, Canceror Cataract Formation

Other Factors ( Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs, Age,Socioeconomic Status, etc. ) Have a Greater Known Effect

Work Stress May be a Factor More Research Needed / Ongoing

to Determine Correlational / Causal Links

Recent Studies Conclude: Emissions of All Types of EMFs Are Well Below Accepted Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Limits

No Direct Causal Link Established BetweenVDT Use and Reproductive Disorders, Canceror Cataract Formation

Other Factors ( Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs, Age,Socioeconomic Status, etc. ) Have a Greater Known Effect

Work Stress May be a Factor More Research Needed / Ongoing

to Determine Correlational / Causal Links

EMF EXPOSURE

Control Measures

EMF EXPOSURE

Control Measures

Monitor / CPU Position

– Front: Min. 12” Away = < 1 milligauss (mG)

– Rear: Min. 24” Away = < 1 milligauss (mG)

»Essentially “ 0 ” Exposure Minimize Exposure to Known Reproductive

and Carcinogenic Risk Factors

–Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs Workstation and Job Task Design / Redesign

to Minimize Work Stress and Maximize Comfort Level

Monitor / CPU Position

– Front: Min. 12” Away = < 1 milligauss (mG)

– Rear: Min. 24” Away = < 1 milligauss (mG)

»Essentially “ 0 ” Exposure Minimize Exposure to Known Reproductive

and Carcinogenic Risk Factors

–Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs Workstation and Job Task Design / Redesign

to Minimize Work Stress and Maximize Comfort Level


Fatigue / Stress

Complaints

Fatigue / Stress

Complaints

Generalized Aches and Pains Constant Fatigue Sleeping / Eating Disorders Increased Reliance Upon Coping Mechanisms

–Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs Ulcers High Blood Pressure Coronary Heart / Artery Disease

Generalized Aches and Pains Constant Fatigue Sleeping / Eating Disorders Increased Reliance Upon Coping Mechanisms

–Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs Ulcers High Blood Pressure Coronary Heart / Artery Disease

Fatigue / Stress

Causes

Fatigue / Stress

Causes

Anxiety About Job Security Anxiety About Ability to Operate Equipment

–Computer Phobia Job Ambiguities Perceived Lack of Control Over Job Concerns About Productivity Shiftwork / OT / Repetitive Work Co-worker / Supervisor / Personal Issues Workstation Design / Layout

Anxiety About Job Security Anxiety About Ability to Operate Equipment

–Computer Phobia Job Ambiguities Perceived Lack of Control Over Job Concerns About Productivity Shiftwork / OT / Repetitive Work Co-worker / Supervisor / Personal Issues Workstation Design / Layout

Fatigue / Stress

Current Consensus

Fatigue / Stress

Current Consensus

Lack of Job Satisfaction is Felt by Manyto be the Greatest Stressor

Stress is Related to Overall Job Contentand Not Just VDT Use

Physical Stressors Associated With Workstation Design / Layout Compound Effects of Mental Stressors

Economic Climate Can Significantly Impact Job Fatigue / Stress Levels

Lack of Job Satisfaction is Felt by Manyto be the Greatest Stressor

Stress is Related to Overall Job Contentand Not Just VDT Use

Physical Stressors Associated With Workstation Design / Layout Compound Effects of Mental Stressors

Economic Climate Can Significantly Impact Job Fatigue / Stress Levels

Fatigue / Stress

Control Measures

Fatigue / Stress

Control Measures

Design / Redesign Jobs to IncreaseEmployee Control and Involvement

Keep Employees Informed About Job Status, Anticipated Changes andProgress in Achieving Goals

Provide Ergonomically Well-DesignedWorkstations

Train Employees in Proper Adjustment of Workstation Features

Promote On / Off Job Wellness Programs

Design / Redesign Jobs to IncreaseEmployee Control and Involvement

Keep Employees Informed About Job Status, Anticipated Changes andProgress in Achieving Goals

Provide Ergonomically Well-DesignedWorkstations

Train Employees in Proper Adjustment of Workstation Features

Promote On / Off Job Wellness Programs


Musculoskeletal Disorders

Complaints

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Complaints

# 1 - Neck / Shoulder Pain # 2 - Low Back Pain # 3 - CTS / Wrist Pain

# 1 - Neck / Shoulder Pain # 2 - Low Back Pain # 3 - CTS / Wrist Pain

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Causes


Causes

Workstation Design / Adjustment

–Postural Positioning

–Dynamic Movement

–Static Loading» Chair, Desk, Keyboard, Monitor, Document

Holder, Telephone, etc.

Task Design

–Concentrated Effort / Repetition» Physical, Mental & Visual

Physical Environment

– Lighting / Noise / Temperature

Workstation Design / Adjustment

–Postural Positioning

–Dynamic Movement

–Static Loading» Chair, Desk, Keyboard, Monitor, Document

Holder, Telephone, etc.

Task Design

–Concentrated Effort / Repetition» Physical, Mental & Visual

Physical Environment

– Lighting / Noise / Temperature


Current Consensus


Current Consensus

Problems More Closely Related to the TaskThan to the Equipment

Continuous VDT Work Defined as– > 2,000 Reps / Hr

– < 30 Sec / Cycle

– > 3.5 Hrs / Day Continuous ( > 50 % of Workshift )

Symptom Severity for Upper Extremity and Low Back Injuries / Discomfort Closely Related to Typing Speed and Length of Time Typing

Problems More Closely Related to the TaskThan to the Equipment

Continuous VDT Work Defined as– > 2,000 Reps / Hr

– < 30 Sec / Cycle

– > 3.5 Hrs / Day Continuous ( > 50 % of Workshift )

Symptom Severity for Upper Extremity and Low Back Injuries / Discomfort Closely Related to Typing Speed and Length of Time Typing


Current Consensus


Current Consensus

Prolonged Excessive Postural Deviations Dueto Poor Workstation Design / AdjustmentSignificantly Contribute to Injury / Discomfort

Appropriate Task and Workstation Design / Adjustment Can Alleviate Majority of Injuries / Discomfort

Prolonged Excessive Postural Deviations Dueto Poor Workstation Design / AdjustmentSignificantly Contribute to Injury / Discomfort

Appropriate Task and Workstation Design / Adjustment Can Alleviate Majority of Injuries / Discomfort


Control Measures


Control Measures

Chair - Maximum Adjustability

–Height - 5 Caster Base

–Seat Pan - Waterfall Edge

–Backrest - Lumbar Support

–Armrests - Optional but Preferred Footrest - Adjustable Height / Tilt

–Relieves Body Weight Pressure on Spine

– Improves Foot Position Relativeto Chair Height

Chair - Maximum Adjustability

–Height - 5 Caster Base

–Seat Pan - Waterfall Edge

–Backrest - Lumbar Support

–Armrests - Optional but Preferred Footrest - Adjustable Height / Tilt

–Relieves Body Weight Pressure on Spine

– Improves Foot Position Relativeto Chair Height

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERSControl Measures

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERSControl Measures

Monitor

–Adjustability For Height and Distance» Top Character Line 15 - 20 Degrees Below Horizontal

Eye Level & Monitor Angled Appropriately Upward

» Eye to Screen Distance 20” - 40” ( Operator Preference Studies 25. 5”- 31” )

» Articulating Monitor Stand

Keyboard / Mouse

–Detached For Ease of Movement

–Adjustability For Height and Distance» Articulating Tray

–Wrist Support and Mouse Pad

–Detached Numeric Keypad

Monitor

–Adjustability For Height and Distance» Top Character Line 15 - 20 Degrees Below Horizontal

Eye Level & Monitor Angled Appropriately Upward

» Eye to Screen Distance 20” - 40” ( Operator Preference Studies 25. 5”- 31” )

» Articulating Monitor Stand

Keyboard / Mouse

–Detached For Ease of Movement

–Adjustability For Height and Distance» Articulating Tray

–Wrist Support and Mouse Pad

–Detached Numeric Keypad


Control Measures


Control Measures

Desk / Workstation

–Adjustable Desktop Height

–Sufficient Under-Desk Legroom / Clearance

–Good Housekeeping Office Equipment

–Document Holder at Monitor Height» Primarily View Monitor: Monitor in Direct View

» Primarily View Document: Document in Direct View

–Calculator, Telephone, etc.» Within Individual Comfortable Reach

» Telephone Handset - Shoulder Rest or Headset

Desk / Workstation

–Adjustable Desktop Height

–Sufficient Under-Desk Legroom / Clearance

–Good Housekeeping Office Equipment

–Document Holder at Monitor Height» Primarily View Monitor: Monitor in Direct View

» Primarily View Document: Document in Direct View

–Calculator, Telephone, etc.» Within Individual Comfortable Reach

» Telephone Handset - Shoulder Rest or Headset


Control Measures


Control Measures

Posture

–Head / Neck: Vertical and Forward Facing

–Shoulders: Comfortable / Neutral Posture

–Upper / Lower Arms: 90 Degree Angle

–Wrists: Horizontal

–Back: Upright / Lumbar Support / Contact Backrest at All Times

–Upper / Lower Legs: 90 Degree Angle

– Feet: Supported by Footrest / Reposition Periodically

Posture

–Head / Neck: Vertical and Forward Facing

–Shoulders: Comfortable / Neutral Posture

–Upper / Lower Arms: 90 Degree Angle

–Wrists: Horizontal

–Back: Upright / Lumbar Support / Contact Backrest at All Times

–Upper / Lower Legs: 90 Degree Angle

– Feet: Supported by Footrest / Reposition Periodically


Control Measures


Control Measures

Posture

–Office Equipment Within IndividualComfortable Reach

–Monitor, Keyboard and Chair Adjustments Are Interrelated

– Training: Proper Posture / Adjustment of Workstation Features» New Hire / Transfer / Periodic Refresher

» Supervisor Enforcement

Posture

–Office Equipment Within IndividualComfortable Reach

–Monitor, Keyboard and Chair Adjustments Are Interrelated

– Training: Proper Posture / Adjustment of Workstation Features» New Hire / Transfer / Periodic Refresher

» Supervisor Enforcement


Control Measures


Control Measures

Task Design

–Provide Ergonomically Well-DesignedWorkstations

–Design / Redesign Jobs to IncreaseEmployee Control and Involvement

– 1 Min. Rest / Exercise Break (Stretching / Eyes - Focus / Refocus)After 15 Min. Continuous VDT Work

– 15 Min. Rest Break (10 Min. Minimum)after 2 Hrs. Continuous VDT Work (NIOSH)

Task Design

–Provide Ergonomically Well-DesignedWorkstations

–Design / Redesign Jobs to IncreaseEmployee Control and Involvement

– 1 Min. Rest / Exercise Break (Stretching / Eyes - Focus / Refocus)After 15 Min. Continuous VDT Work

– 15 Min. Rest Break (10 Min. Minimum)after 2 Hrs. Continuous VDT Work (NIOSH)


Control Measures


Control Measures

Environment

–Humidity: 50 - 70 %

–Room Temperature: 70 - 75 Degrees ( F )

– Lighting: VDT - 50 fc / 500 Lux Optimum Office - 100 fc / 1,000 Lux Optimum

Environment

–Humidity: 50 - 70 %

–Room Temperature: 70 - 75 Degrees ( F )

– Lighting: VDT - 50 fc / 500 Lux Optimum Office - 100 fc / 1,000 Lux Optimum



SummaryEvaluation / Control Measures


SummaryEvaluation / Control Measures

Total Job Environment

–Workstation Design & Adjustment

–Physical Environment

– Task Design

– Training Emphasize Good Ergonomics

–Design / Redesign / Adjustment Promote On / Off Job Wellness

Total Job Environment

–Workstation Design & Adjustment

–Physical Environment

– Task Design

– Training Emphasize Good Ergonomics

–Design / Redesign / Adjustment Promote On / Off Job Wellness

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Documents

VDT OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS. VDT OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS Objectives l Identify and Evaluate the Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated With VDT Environments