Our writing team has been out on extended vacation, but we’re back in full swing. Today we talk about proper ergonomics for people who work on computers.
Do you ever get VDD (Video Display Disease) from your VDT (Video Display Terminal)?
Yes, I do too. The long hours at the computer can add up to all kinds of health problems. My boss will not spend the money to buy me an ergonomic chair. There are many new chairs that would improve my productivity. Here is what I experience. How about you?
Back Problem: When my chair is too soft, I sink into the seat pan. This restricts movement and causes thigh, buttock, and lower back fatigue. When my chair is too hard, I need to change postures frequently to relieve thigh and buttock discomfort. What a bummer!
What should I do?
Your chair should be designed to allow free movement while sitting. The chair must be properly designed for comfort, efficiency, and the task. Because your chair is a very personal item, you must be involved in the selection and purchase of the chair. This will ensure that you are satisfied with your chair and that the best chair has been selected for you.
When a display screen is too low, it causes me to lean forward, slouch down, or lower my chair to improve screen viewing. This can cause the lower curve of my back to flatten as a result of no lumbar support.
So what do I do? Raise the monitor to the correct viewing height, so that the topmost active line of the character display on the screen is at or just below your eye level.
Remember; neck problems are often related to the VDT monitor height, the absence of a document holder, or improper positioning of the holder.
Shoulder problems: Shoulder strain can occur when my arms are positioned too high or too low. When my hands and arms are too high, they tend to pull my shoulders up, straining my shoulder and back muscles. When my hands and arms are too low, they pull my shoulders down, putting pressure on my shoulder and back muscles and compressing nerves in my neck and arms.
What should I do?
Adjust your keyboard or chair and reinforce the principle of keeping your hands, arms, and forearms parallel to the keyboard.
Muscle fatigue problems: My VDT work consists of fixed posture and repetitive motions, resulting in local muscle fatigue. My muscles need rest to prevent discomfort, fatigue, and possible injury or illness.
What should I do?
To reduce your muscle fatigue:
1. Take frequent breaks of shorter duration (three to five minutes) every hour.
2. Change job tasks to reduce fatigue and monotony, allowing different sets of muscles to be used.
3. Exercise to help relax tight muscles, reduce stress, and lessen the sense of general fatigue.
If you know of a chair that is available to reduce these VDD problems, let me know. I will present it to my boss and hopefully she will listen to you, since she doesn’t seem to listen to me!
Patrick Brayton
Related Links:
Better Workplace Safety with Ergonomics: Sources of Ergonomics Newsletters, Conferences, and Discussion Forums
Top 7 Tips on Using the 2006 Census to Improve Workplace Safety
OSHA Announces Top 10 Most Cited Violations
