Prepared by Brian Burns (Industrial Design), Don Westwood (Architecture) and Pat Finn (CUASA).
Based on a earlier book produced by Carleton University.
This booklet is for YOU, the user, and is meant to provide information about your VDT workstation and answer your questions. Your workstation is wherever you use your VDT, whether it is a stand-alone micro-computer or a terminal connected to the main frame; whether it is on a table, a desk or a shelf -- it's your workstation.
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between technology, work
and the human body. Those using computers can sit for hours while
working. This lack of movement is a health hazard. It is essential to be
able to adjust and move postition every few minutes - hence there is no
one perfect position. Sitting still for long periods can strain the back,
neck and shoulders, slow blood circulation in the legs and generally
slacken muscle tone. One way to minimize this hazard is through the
careful selection of workstation furniture. Another way is to take
frequent short breaks from the terminal work and to do simple exercises.
This information is covered in this booklet.
| SECTION 1 | is a brief explanation of how your VDT works. |
| SECTION 2 | is a description of
the ergonomic factors relating to the VDT with information about each aspect. |
| SECTION 3 | covers the health concerns most often related to VDTs. |
| SECTION 4 | contains exercises to
relieve some of the problems discussed in Section 3. |
| SECTION 5 | lists names and phone
numbers to call about a variety of matters relating to your VDT. |
We also suggest you visit the department of University Safety for
their links to ergonomic sites.
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