Possible health effect - The most common symptoms associated with VDUs work or operations are visual problems and musculoskeletal injuries. Visual factors include eyestrain and headaches, which affect visual performance. Users with existing visual deficits may find them make more noticeable.
These symptoms may be caused by:
- Staying in the same position and concentrating on screen of VDU for a long time;
- Poor position of VDUs;
- Poor legibility of the screen or sources documents;
- Poor lighting, including glare and reflection; and
- A drifting, flickering or jittering image on the screen.
A range of conditions of the arm, hand and shoulder discomfort are linked to work activities associated with VDUs. Users may also experience varying level of discomfort in the hand, wrist, forearm, neck and lower back. An acute strain can present as muscle fatigue, aches, pain, weakness, tenderness and /or swelling which subside with rest. The more chronic conditions present with more significant symptoms as well as impaired function, affecting activities of daily living, such disorders among keyboard workers have often be associated with high workloads combined with tight deadlines. Factors, which may contribute to the disorder, include but not limited to:
- Fixed or sustained postures at the workstation;
- Repetitive movements; and
- Increase muscle tension leading to excessive muscle fatigue.
Another less common health issue in relation to VDU operations is radiation emission and their effects. Anxiety about radiation emission from VDU and possible effects on pregnant women has been widespread. Studies to date from a number of countries have shown that electromagnetic radiation emission is well below existing safety standard limit of exposure. In the light of scientific evidence pregnant women do not need to stop working with VDUs. However, to avoid problems caused by stress and anxiety, women who are pregnant or planning to have children and are worried about working with VDUs should be given the opportunity to discuss their concerns with someone adequately inform with current authoritative scientific information and advice.
Studies have also suggested that job stress is a risk factor contributing to VDU user health complains. Early presentation of symptoms may include malaise, nervousness, irritability and indigestion. More often than not, these symptoms are not recognised, and are attributed to other cause.
Some VDU users have reported facial skin complaints such as occasional itching or reddened skin on the face and/or neck. These complaints are relatively rare and the limited evidence available suggests they may be associated with environmental factors, such as low relative humidity or static electricity near the VDU.
