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To comply with a Belgium Royal Decree, the 80th Area Support Group (ASG)
requested an ergonomic assessment of video display terminal (VDT)
workstations within their Area of Responsibility in Belgium. The
Belgium Royal Decree mandates that there be an annual evaluation of all
VDT workstations used by Local Nationals for more than 4 hours each
day. The 80th ASG expanded the requirement to encompass all VDT
workstations within their Area of Responsibility regardless of
nationality of the operator. |
An ergonomics team from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and
Preventive Medicine evaluated 340 VDT workstations during the period 9-27
February 1997.
The desks and chairs in use at the time of the assessment were purchased before
the advent of desktop computers and, therefore, were not designed
specifically for use with VDTs. Risk factors, such as awkward postures,
repetitive motions, and mechanical stresses (sharp corners or edges on
desks) were evident at most of the workstations. These risk factors can
lead to cumulative trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
The evaluation team identified specific ergonomic hazards attributable to the
design of the workstations. Below are the team's primary findings and
recommended solutions.
|
Findings |
Low-Cost Solutions |
High-Cost Solutions |
|
Lack of adjustability of workstations
|
Provide articulating keyboard trays
Provide footrests
Provide document holders
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Provide adjustable desks
|
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Improperly designed chairs
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Provide adjustable lumbar supports
Provide footrests
|
Provide ergonomically designed chairs
|
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Glare
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Provide glare guards/screens
Move desks away from windows |
Provide louvers for lamps
Provide curtains/blinds
|
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Warm temperature
|
Provide overhead fans |
Provide air-conditioning
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Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide. A DoD Information Guide for Supervisors and Users June 2000.
Creating the Ideal Computer Workstation
A Step-by-Step Guide. A DoD Information Guide for Supervisors and Users June 2000.
Computer Break Poster
Ten Exercises designed to reduce physical stress while working at a computer workstation. |
| |
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide. A DoD Information Guide for Supervisors and Users June 2000.
Creating the Ideal Computer Workstation
A Step-by-Step Guide. A DoD Information Guide for Supervisors and Users June 2000.
Computer Break Poster
Ten Exercises designed to reduce physical stress while working at a computer workstation. |
 |
Fact Sheet 1
An effective ergonomics program fits the workplace to the worker.
Fact Sheet 2
You should know about work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Fact Sheet 3
You should know about carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fact Sheet 4
Proper use of hand tools can make your work safer and easier.
Fact Sheet 5
Proper use of powered hand tools can make your work safer and easier.
Fact Sheet 6
You can identify the characteristics of a hazardous materials-handling task.
Fact Sheet 7
You should know how to safely perform lifting and lowering tasks.
Fact Sheet 8
You should know how to safely perform pushing and pulling tasks.
Fact Sheet 9
You should know how to safely carry heavy loads.
Fact Sheet 10
You can evaluate ergonomic products to see if they truly meet your needs.
Fact Sheet 11
You can make your computer workstation "fit" your needs.
Fact Sheet 12
You should know what you can do to solve your computer-related discomfort.
Fact Sheet 13
Your computer workstation should be in a comfortable work area.
Fact Sheet 14
Your computer workstation should include a desk that's right for you.
Fact Sheet 15
Your computer workstation should include a chair that's right for you.
Fact Sheet 16
Your computer workstation may need a footrest.
Fact Sheet 17
Your computer workstation should include a monitor that's easy to view.
Fact Sheet 18
Your computer workstation should include the right keyboard for you.
Fact Sheet 19
Your computer workstation should include the right input device for you.
Fact Sheet 20
Your computer workstation may need a document holder.
Fact Sheet 21
Your computer workstation should receive appropriate lighting and guard against glare.
Fact Sheet 22
You should know how to prevent injuries while using your laptop.
Fact Sheet 23
You can troubleshoot pain and discomfort in your office.
Fact Sheet 24
If you are taking care of infants and toddlers, you need to take care of your back. |