MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG OPERATORS OF VISUAL-DISPLAY TERMINALS

Using a visual display terminal (VDT) is today a common occupational t ask with both benefits and hazards. One of the hazards is the occurren ce of musculoskeletal disorders. This paper examines the possible caus es of such disorders and suggests some preventive strategies. The deba te on the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and VDT usage usually centers around occupational factors (eg, constrained posture, poor ergonomic design of the workplace. equipment design), work-relat ed psychological factors (eg, perceived high job demands, mundane, bor ing and repetitive job activity, little control, poor support from col leagues and superiors), and psychosocial factors (eg, biodemographic c haracteristics such as age, previous musculoskeletal injuries, emotion al stress, family burden, environmental factors). Improving the ergono mic design of VDT workstations, changing occupational legislation, and improving occupational health services have been suggested as means t o decrease the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among VDT worker s. Much research with a multidisciplinary approach is still needed.