Musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial stress in VDU operators before and after multidisciplinary ergonomic interventions. A 6 years prospective study--Part II.
A prospective epidemiological field study covering a 2 years period has earlier been published. The study has a parallel group design with two intervention groups (T and S) and one control group (C) of Visual Display Unit (VDU) operators. The present paper covers the period from 2 to 6 years of the study. After 3.5 years, the C group got the same intervention in terms of new lighting system, new workplaces and at last an optometric examination and corrections if needed. The C group reported a significant reduction in visual discomfort after interventions while the two groups (T and S) continued to report significant reduction of visual discomfort after 6 years. By supporting the forearm on the table top, the C group reported significant reduction of shoulder and neck pain while the T group reported significant reduction in shoulder and back pain after 6 years. Organizational and psychosocial factors at work and outside work did not show any significant changes during the study period.
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Alcatel STK A/S, Okern, Oslo, Norway. arne.aaraas@alcatel.no
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D016288:Computer Terminals; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017132:Workplace