Risks associated to working with computer screens and recommendations for their control

Abstract

The wide use of the so-called new technologies among them computer screens (Video Display Units, VDUs) has many beneficial aspects but, at the same time, It has a potential for altering the health of its users. The high number of VDUs now in use, their early introduction during the educational process and the great number of complaints from users, have determined this to be the most widely studied problem in the field of occupational health during recent years. The most frequent complaints of screen users relate to: A. the design of the work place, including equipment, environmental factors and ergonomic aspects. B. the stress generated by working before a VDU. C. health alterations such as visual, muscular and skeletal problems, headaches, rashes and risks for pregnancy. This paper additionally deals with technical aspects of VDUs and with the psychosocial and occupational health effects of their use. It is concluded that the use of computer screens is not dangerous for health If environmental, ergonomic and organizational conditions are adequate and the health situation of the user is appropriate for this kind of work.