Effect of Physical Ergonomics on VDT Workers' Health: A Longitudinal Intervention Field Study in a Service Organization

This article examines the effect of physical ergonomic work conditions on occupational health in video display terminal (VDT)-intensive work settings. A longitudinal intervention field study was conducted in a catalog retail service organization in the Midwest to explore the impact of ergonomic interventions. There were 3 levels of ergonomic interventions, each adding incrementally to the previous one. The 1st level was ergonomic training for all VDT users accompanied by workstation ergonomic analysis leading to specific customized adjustments (Group C). The 2nd level added specific workstation accessories supplied by Details, Inc. if the analysis indicated a need for them (Group B). The 3rd level added a Steelcase Criterion(tm) 453 Series chair (Group A). Health data were gathered from 80 volunteer participants by administering a survey before (baseline), 6 months after, and 12 months after interventions were put in place. The findings show that neck, back, and shoulders as well as wrists stand out in terms of self-reported musculoskeletal pain in VDT-intensive work. Reductions in self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort were found for all 3 levels of incremental ergonomic interventions. The number of cases showing improvement in health over time was significant for intervention Groups A and B, but not C.     

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Stress Effects of VDT Work

Are their backs killing them? Do they growl when a supervisor walks by? Something can be done for folks who spend their days in front of VDTs.     

A longitudinal study of VDT work and health

A longitudinal study on the use of visual display terminals (VDTs) was conducted with questionaire data obtained 1981 and in 1987–1988 from a cohort of office workers. The use of VDTs became more widespread in these offices during the intervening time period, but the time spent by individuals working at VDTs showed no general increase. The data suggested that VDT use was related to the risk of developing eye discomforts and hand and wrist problems. For skin problems and headache, risks for VDT and non‐VDT users were fairly similar, but indications of increased risks were found for certain groups and situations. The risks of developing neck, shoulder, shoulder joint, or upper arm problems were high for both VDT and non‐VDT users, but there were, in this study, no convincing suggestions that these risks were higher for VDT users compared to nonusers.     

Work posture, workstation design, and musculoskeletal discomfort in a VDT data entry task

Self-report data on musculoskeletal discomfort were collected from several hundred VDT users in two agencies of a state government. Aspects of worker posture and workstation design were objectively assessed for 40 of the VDT users. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between these ergonomic variables and musculoskeletal discomfort. Effects of ergonomic factors on musculoskeletal discomfort were clearly evident in the analyses. Regression models explained up to 38% of the variance in discomfort at different body sites. Of special interest was that leg discomfort increased with low, soft seat pans, suggesting that postural constraint is more important than thigh compression as a risk factor for leg discomfort in VDT work. In addition, arm discomfort increased with increases in keyboard height above elbow level, supporting arguments for low placement of the keyboard. Finally, high levels of neck and shoulder girdle discomfort observed in the study population suggest the need for further attention to the control of cervicobrachial pain syndromes in VDT work.     

Psychological Mood State,Psychosocial Aspects of Work,and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Intensive Video Display Terminal (VDT) Work

The relation between psychological mood state, psychosocial aspects of work, and musculoskeletal discomfort was examined using a questionnaire survey of 505 office employees whose jobs required intensive use of video display terminals. Logistic and linear regression analyses demonstrated significant relations between the psychological mood state of stress and musculoskeletal discomfort. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relation between some psychosocial aspects of work and the psychological mood state of stress. The results suggest that an individual's psychological state and characteristics of jobs have important relations to musculoskeletal health. The cross-sectional study design precluded interpretation regarding the temporal nature of these relations.     

Study of the relationship between lacrimation and blink in VDT work

VDT (Visual Display Terminal) work generates various symptoms in operators' eyes such as strain, a sensation of dryness, the presence of a foreign body, and so on. Research suggests that lacrimal abnormality may be related causally to such symptoms. In this paper, the relationship between lacrimation (the secretion of tears) and the frequency of blink due to VDT work in health subjects and VDT workers with such symptoms, and consequent therapeutic methods, were studied. When lacrimation, BUT (Break-UP Time), and the frequency of blink before and after VDT work compared in the control subjects and VDT-operators, an essential difference was noted in experiment 1 the frequency of blink decreased only during VDT operation, and a decreasing tendency of lacrimation was also noted while lacrimation before operation was already less in the VDT group; no large variation was noted before or after VDT operation. The frequency of blink was relatively high during operation, and a decreasing tendency of BUT was noted, compared with that for control subjects. In experiment 2, lacrimation increased remarkably in four eyes (of two operators), and relief from the subjective symptoms was noted. However, BUT intactly reduced similarly before the use of a gelatin rod during the whole process. The insertion of a gelatin rod was consecutively carried out every two weeks for approximately eight months; the development of complications such as dacryosolenitis, etc., was not noted. From these results, it is considered that the insertion of a gelatin rod is clinically useful for VDT operators with decreasing lacrimation.     

Study of the relationship between lacrimation and blink in VDT work

VDT (Visual Display Terminal) work generates various symptoms in operators’ eyes such as strain, a sensation of dryness, the presence of a foreign body, and so on. Research suggests that lacrimal abnormality may be related causally to such symptoms. In this paper, the relationship between lacrimation (the secretion of tears) and the frequency of blink due to VDT work in health subjects and VDT workers with such symptoms, and consequent therapeutic methods, were studied. When lacrimation, BUT (Break-UP Time), and the frequency of blink before and after VDT work compared in the control subjects and VDT-operators, an essential difference was noted in experiment 1 the frequency of blink decreased only during VDT operation, and a decreasing tendency of lacrimation was also noted while lacrimation before operation was already less in the VDT group; no large variation was noted before or after VDT operation. The frequency of blink was relatively high during operation, and a decreasing tendency of BUT was noted, compared with that for control subjects. In experiment 2, lacrimation increased remarkably in four eyes (of two operators), and relief from the subjective symptoms was noted. However, BUT intactly reduced similarly before the use of a gelatin rod during the whole process. The insertion of a gelatin rod was consecutively carried out every two weeks for approximately eight months; the development of complications such as dacryosolenitis, etc., was not noted. From these results, it is considered that the insertion of a gelatin rod is clinically useful for VDT operators with decreasing lacrimation.     

基于工作流的在线健康保险系统的研究与实现

在线健康保险系统(eHealthInsurance System)可以实现客户网上自助投保的业务。在分析了系统在开发流程的实现过程后,提出了基于工作流思想的过程管理解决方案优化系统的开发模式,通过引入基于工作流技术的项目管理软件来管理控制系统的开发流程。最终达到提高系统的自动化程度,提高工作效率,节约公司成本,实现系统业务增长的目的。     

基于工作流的在线健康保险系统的研究与实现

在线健康保险系统（eHealthIllsurance System）可以实现客户网上自助投保的业务。在分析了系统在开发流程的实现过程后，提出了基于工作流思想的过程管理解决方案优化系统的开发模式，通过引入基于工作流技术的项目管理软件来管理控制系统的开发流程。最终达到提高系统的自动化程度，提高工作效率，节约公司成本，实现系统业务增长的目的。     

A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Open Source Software Project Characteristics on Positive Outcomes

This article formulates and tests a set of hypotheses about the success of open source software projects with respect to market penetration and human resource attraction. The authors collected data from 1025 open source software projects in a longitudinal study. The cross-sectional results show that the extent of a project’s operating systems, the range of translated languages, programming languages, and project age positively impact OSS projects’ positive outcomes with respect to market penetration and human resource attraction.     

A field evaluation of monitor placement effects in VDT users.

Appropriate visual display terminal (VDT) location is a subject of ongoing debate. Generally, visual strain is associated with higher placement, and musculoskeletal strain is associated with lower placement. Seeking resolution of the debate, this paper provides a comparison of results from previous lab-based monitor placement studies to recommendations and outcomes from viewing preference and neutral posture studies. The paper then presents results from a field study that addressed two outstanding issues: Does monitor placement in a workplace elicit postures and discomfort responses similar to those seen in laboratory settings? Results showed placements in the workplace elicited postures similar to those in lab studies. Additionally, preferred VDT location generally corresponded to the location in which less neck discomfort was reported, though that trend requires further investigation. Overall, there seems to be consistent evidence to support mid-level or somewhat higher placement, as a rule-of-thumb, considering preferred gaze angle and musculoskeletal concerns. However, optimal placement may be lower for some individuals or tasks.     

A laboratory study on preferred and imposed settings of a VDT workstation

Abstract

Thirty trained female typists performed several consecutive l0min typing tasks on an adjustable VDT workstation. The experiments were conducted with preferred as well as with imposed settings. The body postures were determined during the typing tasks and the subjects filled out questionnaires at the end of the tasks.

The study discloses that the preferred workstation dimensions are associated with mainly ‘relaxed’ sensations, while imposed dimensions—even if they are similar to the mean values of preferred settings—cause an increased incidence of static load symptoms in the sense of increased tension or impairments in the neck-shoulder-arm-hand area. The preferred keyboard levels are mainly distinctly higher than those recommended in standards and brochures. A chair with a high backrest and a proper support to rest forearms and wrists are preconditions for the preferred postures at VDT workstations.     

A laboratory study on preferred and imposed settings of a VDT workstation

Thirty trained female typists performed several consecutive l0min typing tasks on an adjustable VDT workstation. The experiments were conducted with preferred as well as with imposed settings. The body postures were determined during the typing tasks and the subjects filled out questionnaires at the end of the tasks.

The study discloses that the preferred workstation dimensions are associated with mainly 'relaxed' sensations, while imposed dimensions—even if they are similar to the mean values of preferred settings—cause an increased incidence of static load symptoms in the sense of increased tension or impairments in the neck-shoulder-arm-hand area. The preferred keyboard levels are mainly distinctly higher than those recommended in standards and brochures. A chair with a high backrest and a proper support to rest forearms and wrists are preconditions for the preferred postures at VDT workstations.     

Sex Differences in Health in 1992 and 2002 Among Very Old Swedes

Despite their longer life spans, women show higher morbidity rates compared to men at all ages. The gender gap in mortality has decreased over the past 20 years, but few studies have examined sex differences in morbidity over time. This study examines sex differences in health and changes in sex differences between 1992 and 2002. SWEOLD is a nationally representative interview survey of persons aged 77+. Outcomes include self-reported and objective health indicators. Women had significantly higher prevalence rates for most health problems. Analyses of change over time showed that women had greater increases in, e.g., hypertension and poor lung function, and men had greater increases in poor self-rated health (SRH) and myocardial infarction (MI). The sex difference decreased significantly for SRH due to men’s increased reporting of poor health and increased for MI due to increased prevalence among men. Several health indicators seem to be developing differently for men and women. The gender gap has narrowed for poor SRH and widened for MI.     

Integrating Task- and Work Domain-Based Work Analyses in Ecological Interface Design: A Process Control Case Study

In this paper, we present a case study wherein several work analysis methods were incorporated in the design of a graphical interface for a petrochemical production process. We follow this case from the application of the work analysis methods, through the consolidation of information requirements, to the design of a novel interface that integrates the requirements. The findings confirm earlier assertions that task-based and work domain-based analysis frameworks identify unique and complementary requirements for effective information systems that are intended to support supervisory control of complex systems. It further provides the first industrial demonstration of ecological interface forms based on integrated task-and work domain-based work requirements.     

A Longitudinal Study of Workspace Design for Knowledge Exploration and Exploitation in the Research and Development Process

In order to leverage organizational learning, scholars have already defined but are still discussing the interpretation of two different learning types, exploration and exploitation. Exploring new frontiers across knowledge domains and maintaining the balance with exploiting the existing knowledge is critical for the prosperity of an organization. The spatial dimension of organizational learning considers that proximity of employees has an influence on their learning activities, but from a rather macro perspective without taking workspace design into account. We account for these issues by examining the impact of workspace design on knowledge exploration and exploitation on the micro level at distinct stages along the value chain (i.e., the research, development and project market team unit) of Novartis, a pharmaceutical company. In a longitudinal study, employees of the three cases have been interviewed and observed over the course of three years, before and after workspace redesign. With the change from a cellular to an open workspace, employees become closer and highly visible to each other, which influences knowledge work. As the cases occurred sequentially in time, design principles were derived. The findings suggest that exploitation is supported by workspace design that leads to high proximity inducing faster feedback cycles and first‐hand information. Exploration, however, is supported by workspace design that leads to high visibility triggering more cross‐functional interactions and thereby the variability of knowledge. The later the stage in the research and development process, the higher the need for balanced learning activities. This balance is well reflected in a ‘multi‐space’ workspace consisting of shared meeting areas, quiet zones, central staircases and integrated laboratories and desk areas.     

The Impact of Perceived Work Complexity and Shared Leadership on Team Performance of IT Employees of South African Firms

ABSTRACT

This article investigates how work complexity, as perceived by Information Technology (IT) employees, influences team performance, and examines the role played by shared leadership. The findings of this study that collected data from 204 IT employees in South Africa show that perceived work complexity negatively predicts team performance while shared leadership negatively predicts perceived work complexity and positively predicts team performance.     

Developing Innovation Capabilities: A Longitudinal Study of a Project at Volvo Cars

Many large firms are struggling to alter and develop their organizational capabilities. There are several discussions in the literature on what these capabilities comprise, and that there is a need to develop them. However, less attention has been paid to how companies can develop these capabilities in practice. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to organizational capability theory by providing insights derived from an empirical study of how organizational capabilities for innovation are developed in large firms, and how these findings compare to the theory. The paper is based on a longitudinal study of Volvo Cars conducted as a long‐term collaborative research project. The authors were involved in a project called Vision 2020, which extended over a period of two and a half years, the findings from which highlight several activities that enabled the changes required for the development of organizational capabilities. The need to develop ‘management capability’ in terms of both cognition and the propensity to act is especially highlighted.     

Ambiguities, Awareness and Economy: A Study of Emergency Service Work

This paper derives from a studyundertaken at an emergency service centre byresearchers at the Blekinge Institute ofTechnology, Sweden. It forms part of a projectinvolving partners at the university and inSwedish emergency service centres. The focus inthis project was on the possibility ofdeveloping new technology for use in thesecentres. One vision for the new technology isto support distribution of calls and handlingof cases across several centres. Historicallythe work has been conducted in a number ofdifferent centres, where responsibilities arethus primarily geographically localised andwhere, as a result, practices in the differentcentres may be distinctively local.The study has focused on features of workfamiliar to the CSCW community, includingdocumenting and analysing current workpractices, understanding the properties of thetechnology in question, and perhaps mostimportantly how the technology functions inuse. Our focus in this paper exemplifies thesethemes through the analysis of three cases. Inthe first, the issue in question is the way inwhich an emergency is identified and dealtwith, it being the case that a typical problemto be dealt with by operators, and morecommonly in the days of mobile telephony, isthat of multiple reporting of a single case. Ofparticular interest here is the phenomenon oflistening-in, which is a function in theComputer Aided Dispatch system and by contrastthat of `overhearing', which is not. The secondand third cases focus on the relevance of largepaper maps, given the existence of computerizedmaps in these centres. Based on our ownanalysis and on work done by others in similarcontexts, we develop an argument for a sense oforganizational relevance that hopefullyintegrates existing analytic interests inemergency service work.     

Dominant wavelength and stimulus purity for VDT display color in terms of readability

This study was conducted to clarify complex relationships between VDT (Visual Display Terminal) display color subjective readability and dominant wavelength, and between the subjective readability and stimulus purity. In this study, readability was defined to be such that a human could read sentences on a VDT screen. Twelve men and eight women, who were all Japanese and had normal color vision, participated in three experiments. During all the experiments, the vertical illuminances on the screen were 700 Lux and 300 Lux. Contrasts were 3.1:1 and 4.2:1 under 700 Lux and 300 Lux, respectively. In the first experiment, 25 kinds of screen were used, there were 23 different colors and white shown on a black background screen (negative screen), and black shown on a white background screen (positive screen). The colors had six dominant wavelengths, ranging from 460 nm to 606 ran, whose stimulus purities involved three, four, or five levels for each wavelength. In the second experiment, three levels of stimulus purity for two dominant wavelengths, 480 nm and 520 nm, were added to the first experiment's colors. A total of 31 different colors were examined by a paired comparisons method. In the third experiment, subjects were required to complete a questionnaire about the impression of the colors.

The major result of the subjective evaluation was the identification of a most easily readable stimulus purity for each dominant wavelength, independently from different illuminance values. A difference between men and women was noted. Women's scores regarding higher stimulus purities than the optimal values were severely lower, while men's did not decrease notably. Middle dominant wavelengths, ranging from 503 nm to 566 nm, had similar evaluation values under the two illuminances. By applying a factor analysis to the questionnaire, a “Conspicuous factor” that mainly relates to conspicuousness and strength, and an “Uncomfortable factor” that mainly relates to tiredness and irritation, were extracted. VDT display color was found to be evaluated by these two factors.