Work environment and the well-being of clerical and VDT workers

This paper explores the relationships between extent of video display terminal usage, perceptions of the physical work environment, task characteristics, and workers' health and well-being among a group of 1032 female office clerical workers. Data are drawn from responses to a 30-minute questionnaire administered at four employment sites during 1981 and 1982. All-day terminal users reported significantly higher levels of job and physical environment stressors than part-day VDT users, typists and non machine-interactive clerical workers. Reports of musculo-skeletal strain and dissatisfaction were also highest among all day terminal users. Part-day VDT users, typists and clerks all reported relatively similar levels of job and physical working conditions, health symptoms and job satisfaction. No significant differences between any of the groups were observed for gastrointestinal, respiratory, psychological and other non-specific health complaints. Typists and clerical workers who also held supervisory positions reported fewer stressors and greater job satisfaction than workers with no supervisory tasks; however there were no such differences between supervisors and non-supervisors engaged in all-day VDT work. Implications of these findings for further research and for job redesign strategies to alleviate the potentially stressful aspects of office automation are discussed.     

Postural and Muscular Responses While Viewing Different Heights of Screen

This study aimed to examine the effects of visual display terminal (VDT) viewing angle on human postural angle and muscular activity. The participants’ neck, thoracic bending, and trunk inclination angles; and the activity of sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, splenius capitis, and erector spinae at 5 viewing angles (+40°, +20°,0°, –20°, and –40°) of a VDT screen were collected for 1 min. This study showed that neck and thoracic bending angles increased with viewing angle, while viewing angle did not significantly affect trunk inclination angle. In addition, the activity of trapezius and erector spinae increased when viewing a higher or lower VDT screen height compared with viewing a horizontal VDT screen height; however, the activity of splenius capitis decreased with viewing angle.     

Luminance of the Surround and Visual Fatigue of VDT Operators

Luminance distribution in the visual field is considered as one of causal factors with a significant influence on visual fatigue, especially for intensive and extended Video Display Terminal (VDT) work. The aim of the study was to define visual fatigue of VDT operators for different values of surrounding luminance. Experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions under 3 lighting conditions. Only 1 lighting parameter—the luminance of the wall behind the display (surrounding luminance)—changed. Visual fatigue was measured both by a subjective evaluation of different visual complaints (asthenopic symptoms) and by objective measurements of changes in the following visual functions: accommodation, convergence, habitual horizontal phoria, critical fusional frequency (CFF), and visual acuity. The same experiments were done for CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD TFT (Liquid Crystal Display with Thin Film Transistor) screens. The results of the study have shown that there was no significant influence of the value of surrounding luminance on the asthenopic symptoms for either type of screen. A general tendency towards bigger visual complaints for LCD TFT than for CRT participants was found. An objective evaluation of visual fatigue demonstrated a tendency towards bigger changes in visual functions with an increase of surrounding luminance for both screens. Statistical analysis of the results has shown that surrounding luminance influences significantly the reduction of the accommodation amplitude (significance level < .05).     

The effect of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal, psychosocial and visual strain of VDT data entry work: the Norwegian part of the international study.

The Norwegian MEPS (musculoskeletal--visual--psychosocial--stress) study included 3 groups: data entry, data dialogue (female) and data dialogue (male). Before intervention, the data entry group reported significantly more symptoms and signs of musculoskeletal illness and had longer periods in front of the video display terminal (VDT) without a break. The ergonomic intervention consisted mainly of ergonomic information and training. After intervention, the data dialogue female group reported a significant reduction in shoulder pain in parallel with a reduction in trapezius load. Increasing the understanding in how to adjust the work stand and chair may have been contributing factors to reducing the pain level. There was a significant reduction in eye problems in all groups; the greatest reduction in eye symptoms was seen in the groups who had new optometric corrections.     

An Attempt at Preventing Asthenopia Among VDT Workers

We report the results of 3 surveys of visual display terminal (VDT) users who took a minibreak during which they viewed a stereoscopic image of a repeating parallel pattern showing planets. The single image stereogram method employed is called Stretch Eye^TM, and we evaluated the effects of Stretch Eye^TM on asthenopia. An accommodative relaxation of about 1 D was observed in participants while they were gazing at the image. The employees of 2 information technology companies were evaluated according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) for subjective symptoms of asthenopia and eyesight. The results showed that Stretch Eye^TM was effective in easing visual fatigue due to VDT work and it improved eyesight under working conditions.     

Effects of work surface and task difficulty on neck–shoulder posture and trapezius activity during a simulated mouse task

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the work surface and task difficulty on the head, upper back and upper arm postures and activity of the descending trapezius during a simulated mouse task. Methods. Healthy female university students (N?=?15) were evaluated. The work surface was positioned at elbow height (EH) and above elbow height (AEH) and the task difficulty was set at low (LD) and high (HD) levels. The postures were recorded by inclinometers. Trapezius activity was normalized by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Results. Significantly higher head flexion was found at EH compared to the AEH condition, with an average difference of 2°–5° at the same difficulty level. The HD task significantly increased head (3°–6°) and upper back flexion (6°–7°) at the same table height. For upper arm elevation and trapezius activation, the AEH condition presented higher upper arm elevation (about 6°–8°) and trapezius activity (0.8–1.4% of MVIC), regardless of the difficulty level of the task. Conclusions. Head posture was influenced by the table height and task difficulty; the upper back posture by high difficulty; and upper arm posture and trapezius activity were only influenced by table height.     

Characteristics of Muscular Load in Computer Data Entry Workers Assessed by EMG and Postural Angles

The goal of this study was to characterize the muscular load in computer data entry workers. Electromyography (EMG) parameters of trapezius muscle and postural angles of head, arm, and back were chosen as indicators of musculoskeletal load. The examination was done according to the methods and protocol of international MEPS studies (the “Musculoskeletal, Visual, and Psychosocial Load in VDT [Video Display Terminal] Operators in Optimized Environment” international program). The musculoskeletal load during routine VDT data entry work performed by a group of 36 women was assessed on the basis of 1-hr physiometer recordings. Results show that the musculoskeletal load associated with data entry is relatively high compared to other VDT operators’ tasks described in the literature. An analysis of the measured parameters shows that most of the time women worked with a muscular load higher than optimal. It is postulated that the main reason for the heavy musculoskeletal load was improper posture compelled by unergonomic spatial configuration of work stands.     

Visual Strain and Lighting Preferences of VDT Users Under Different Lighting Systems

Lighting influences users’ visual strain and well-being. Therefore creating lighting that ensures visual work conditions do not result in visual fatigue is a preventive activity. The aim of the study was to model different lighting systems for visual display terminal (VDT) work and to determine their influence on users’ visual strain and preferences. The results of the study showed that visual fatigue was lowest for indirect and compound lighting systems. On the other hand, in general, direct lighting realized by “dark-light” luminaires was the most preferred lighting system. Some interesting differences related to age, gender, and VDT work experience were found. On the basis of the obtained results lighting designers can be provided with some guidance.     

视屏显示终端作业的健康问题及其对策

视屏显示终端作业不仅提高了人—机—环境系统的信息传递效率。减轻了操作者的劳动负荷,也带来了若干有损健康的问题,如眼睛疲劳,职业性肌肉骨骼慢性疾患,职业性应激。对此进行讨论。提出对策,并就开展我国VDT作业健康研究阐述了看法。     

基于疲劳模式识别的VDT作业工间休息机制*

为保障作业人员身心健康和作业效率,运用E-Prime软件模拟认知性VDT持续作业,通过方差分析提出作业疲劳综合评价指标体系,并使用客观绩效指标和生理指标作为输入变量,主观疲劳综合指数作为输出变量,训练BP神经网络,对作业疲劳进行模式识别;提出认知性VDT持续作业工间休息机制。结果表明:通过正确反应时间、注视时间、瞳孔直径、眨眼频率4项指标,对VDT持续作业疲劳进行模式识别的结果可信度较高。因此,基于上述4项指标提出的工间休息机制客观有效。     

Upper trapezius fatigue in carpet weaving: the impact of a repetitive task cycle

Introduction. Shoulder disorders are one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among carpet weavers. The most important cause of these disorders is muscle fatigue. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of carpet weaving characteristics on upper trapezius (UTr) muscle fatigue during a task cycle. Method. In this cross-sectional study, 9 women and 3 men participated. During an 80-min cycle of carpet weaving, a times-series model was applied to assess electromyography amplitude and frequency changes. Result. According to the joint analysis of electromyogram spectrum and amplitude method, the participants experienced 0% force decrease, 0.9% recovery, 18% force increase and 72% fatigue in the left UTr. Furthermore, the rates of force decrease, recovery, force increase and fatigue in the right UTr were 18%, 18%, 18% and 45%, respectively. Fatigue in the right and the left UTr was reported to be the dominant state during one carpet weaving task cycle. Conclusion. Task cycle appears to have a significant impact on UTr fatigue in participants, and UTr fatigue can be considered a serious risk factor in shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, further studies should focus on better workstations and work–rest periods during various subtasks.     

Effects of Neutral Posture on Muscle Tension During Computer Use

This study focused on developing a new approach to seated work positions as conducted on 67 office workers who use a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) as a major function of their working day. Muscle tension was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) while participants were asked to adopt 4 selected working postures. Pain was measured before and after ergonomic intervention on the Nordic scale, which was modified for this study. Adjustable workstations were used to place participants in desired positions during the clinical testing sessions and the extended intervention period. Results indicate the effects of this ergonomic intervention may have positive effects on muscle tension and pain, significant enough to encourage employers to implement training and workstation modifications following these guidelines.     

Work Content and Eye Discomfort in VDT Work

A questionnaire study of Swedish public employees with frequent and different types of VDT work (n = 2,025) was conducted. Eight different kinds of eye discomfort were examined, and an additive index was constructed. Eye discomfort was statistically related to aspects of work organization. The highest levels of discomfort were reported by computer-aided design (CAD), data entry, and word processing groups; groups with mixed VDT tasks displayed the lowest level of symptoms. Time spent at a VDT, low degree of work control, time pressure, and high pace of work were all associated with relatively high levels of eye discomfort. There was significant interaction between experience of stress and time spent at a VDT with respect to both the eye discomfort index and three specific symptoms (itching, gritty feeling, and dryness). Whereas dryness, smarting, and itching of the eyes seem most strongly related to work conditions, redness and watery eyes seem most weakly related.     

井下支护作业人员颈部肌肉疲劳特性研究*

为探究井下支护作业人员颈部肌肉疲劳受伸张和屈曲角度变化的影响,采用表面肌电法（sEMG）实验模拟测量7种点位角度下,颈部夹肌、斜方肌以及胸锁乳突肌在不同作业频率时的疲劳情况,以积分肌电值(iEMG)及中值频率（MF）评价各肌肉疲劳程度。研究结果表明:低频实验中随点位角度的增大,颈部屈曲活动时,胸锁乳突肌疲劳变化明显,iEMG疲劳前后差值最大为1.55,MF下降率最大为0.60;颈部伸展活动时,夹肌疲劳变化明显,iEMG疲劳前后差值最大为1.59,MF下降率最大为0.59;斜方肌未表现出明显疲劳变化规律。高频实验相较低频实验疲劳发生速度加快,疲劳积累程度显著提升,颈部活动主要肌肉疲劳发生时间由16~19 min提前至13~17 min,各肌肉MF下降速度为低频实验的1~1.55倍。     

合理构建视频显示终端(VDT)作业疲劳工间休息制度

为了减少VDT(视频显示终端)作业对操作者健康的负面影响,合理地安排工作和休息时间以及设计良好的工作环境有助于减轻、缓解或消除VDT作业的疲劳。通过多项VDT数据输入作业实验,依据作业者作业能力变动的规律性,对不同类型的VDT作业者可能需要设置不同的工间休息制度。经过对实验数据的分析,数据输入的工作主要是信息接受和信息输出,属于事务性脑力劳动。只要合理地安排工作和休息时间以及设计良好的工作环境,就可以减少VDT对眼睛、骨骼及肌肉的疾患发生。     

Promoting safety by training supervisors and safety representatives for daily safety work

Safety at Finnish work places is mainly considered to be the task of a separate safety organization, e.g., a safety manager and safety delegates. However, it is the supervisor who is responsible for the daily safety in the departments. The Finnish paper industry has developed a supplementary system for the safety organization to carry out safety work in the factories. The monitoring and improving of the daily safety has been delegated to small groups in the production departments. These small groups consist of the supervisor and the safety representative (worker member) of the work area. Sometimes also a department manager or a member of the maintenance department may participate in the work group. A training program was designed to give basic knowledge and skills for the groups. The course has helped the participants to better outline their duties and activities within the safety field.     

Electromyographic analysis of relevant muscle groups during completion of computer tasks using different computer mouse positions

Background. We analyzed muscular activity for different computer mouse positions during the completion of a timed computer task and determined whether the different mouse positions could affect muscular activity, productivity and perceived fatigue. Methods. The subjects were nine healthy young men. Two mouse positions were studied: the distal position (DP), with the forearm rested on the desk; the proximal position (PP), with only the wrist rested on the desk. The subjects performed a 16-min task in each position. Surface electromyography data were recorded for the upper back and shoulder muscles. Work productivity and muscular activity were measured for each mouse position. A visual analog scale was used to assess subjective fatigue. Results. Muscular activity was higher in muscle (m.) deltoideus (posterior) for the DP, while it was significantly higher in m. inferior infraspinatus for the PP. The visual analog scale score was significantly higher and work productivity was lower in the PP. Conclusions. We found that using a mouse in the DP rather than the PP leads to less activity of the external rotators, less perceived fatigue and more productivity. This suggests that the DP is preferable to the PP for computer work involving a mouse.     

Task-induced fatigue and collisions in adult drivers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study compares collision involvement between adult drivers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and control participants in a simulation experiment designed to enhance the effects of fatigue. Because the effects of ADHD include difficulties in maintaining attention, drivers with ADHD were hypothesized to be more susceptible to the effects of fatigue while driving. METHODS: Data are drawn from a validated driving simulation study, portions of which were focused on enhancing the effects of fatigue. The simulator data are supplemented with written questionnaire data. Drivers with ADHD were compared with controls. RESULTS: The self-report data indicated that drivers with ADHD were more likely to report having been involved in an accident within the previous five years. Simulation data showed that time of day of participation in the experiment were significantly related to likelihood of collision, and that these effects were further exacerbated by ADHD status. Participants with ADHD were more likely than controls to be involved in a crash in the simulator regardless of time of day, but the effects were particularly pronounced in the morning, and the rate of increase in accident involvement from the late afternoon into the evening was greater among participants with ADHD. No differences in self-reported sleep patterns or caffeine use were found between participants with ADHD and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that drivers with ADHD became fatigued more quickly than controls. Such drivers thus face greater risk of involvement in accidents on highways or open roadways where the visual and task monotony of the environment contribute to greater driver fatigue.     

Upper limb load as a function of repetitive task parameters: part 2--an experimental study.

The aim of the study was to compare the theoretical indicator of upper limb load with the physiological indicator of musculoskeletal load, which is present while performing a repetitive task (a normalized electromyography [EMG] amplitude recorded from the muscles of the upper limb involved in the performed task). In an experimental study of a repetitive task, the EMG signal from 5 main muscles of the shoulder girdle, arm and forearm was registered: extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, deltoideus anterior, biceps brachii caput breve and trapezius descendent. The results of the study showed a strong correlation between the theoretical indicator (Integrated Cycle Load) and the physiological indicator (root mean square of a normalized EMG amplitude from the 5 muscles). This proves that the developed theoretical indicator can be accepted as an indicator of upper limb musculoskeletal load during a work task.     

An intervention to reduce work-related burnout in teachers.

The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate a 2-day burnout intervention program focused at enhancing coping with stresses observed in teachers' work. Karasek's job stress model was used as the theoretical framework. The aim of the intervention was to teach participants to deal better with high job demands and low job control. Some cognitive-behavioural methods of overcoming workload and enhancing a sense of self-mastery and relations with students were introduced in the workshop. 59 teachers were randomly assigned to an experimental or to a control group. Results showed that emotional exhaustion, perceived workload and somatic complaints decreased significantly in the intervention group. The greatest effect of the intervention was observed with regard to increased behavioural job control. It was concluded that teaching participants how to manage their work environment better could help them in changing their perception of stressful job characteristics, reducing emotional exhaustion and somatic complaints.