Modulation and flicker frequency effects on data entry personnel

Recent research has suggested fluorescent light flicker may be a culpable f actor in the frequency and severity of health symptoms in the work place. F urthermore, these effects may result in reduced productivity of personnel. An interventional study was conducted in three data entry offices to assess the: effects of fluorescent light nicker on the health and productivity of office personnel. The study compared flicker frequency and modulation dept h utilizing low frequency halophosphate, low frequency triphosphor and high frequency triphosphor lamps and control gear. Office personnel completed a questionnaire on a daily basis, which included their health symptoms, sati sfaction and perceived productivity. The number of units of data entry work completed per day by each participant was also recorded for the duration o f the study. This paper presents the preliminary results of a key objective of this stud y: determining if modulation and flicker frequency affects the health sympt oms and perception of nicker by office personnel. The results to date sugge st the flicker frequency and modulation depth of the fluorescent tubes did not significantly affect the severity of eye strain, lethargy and headache symptoms experienced by the office personnel. The pattern of responses indi cates the color rendition of the fluorescent tubes may have been a signific ant factor.