1983 Acm annual conference: “Health and safety aspects of office automation - the European scene”

Abstract

“The number of people in the United Kingdom working with Visual Display Units (VDUs) as part of their job is increasing daily. A large proportion of them are prevented from getting the maximum use out of their VDU because they ere experiencing practical problems which make it more tiring or difficult to use. The source of these difficulties usually lies in poor ergonomic design (or adjustability) of the VDU, the workplace or the working environment. Because of this many UK and European users and their associated unions have, since the late 70's, insisted on minimum ergonomic standards for new equipment before it can be introduced. Some of the standards have been disputed, and in the United Kingdom (UK) it has resulted in a “Guidance Note on VDUs” (June 1983) from the Health and Safety Executive. This paper reviews the UK response along with current developments in this area in other European Countries”.