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include the following symptoms: headaches, dry
or irritated eyes, blurred vision, eyestrain, slow
refocusing, neck and/or backaches, double vision,
and color distortion (Anshel, 2001).
However, there appears to be good news re-
lated to vision issues on the horizon for computer
users. A more pervasive use of LCD screens on
computers as opposed to CRT screens has caused
a downturn in interest in radiation concerns. LCDs
do not emit VLF/ELF electromagnetic radiation.
LCDs should reduce some symptoms of CVS
because they are flicker free, have reduced glare,
and have a reduced occulomotor effort. However,
research is needed to confirm that prediction
(Hedge, 2003b).
Screen glare from lights or windows can be a
problem. Glare can cause eyestrain and headaches.
Having the monitor positioned too high can also
increase glare that can cause headaches (Healthy
Computing, 2001).
Eye strain and muscle fatigue may also be as-
sociated with small screens such as those found
on PDAs. These issues are being monitored
(Briggs, 2003).
Eye fatigue and dryness can also result from
computer use. Extended viewing time can lead
to discomfort. End users tend to blink less fre-
quently when looking at a computer monitor (U.
S. Department of Labor, 2004).
source suggests analyzing ergonomically correct
furniture from several perspectives that include
(1) increasing time on task, (2) lowering employee
“churn” rate, (3) fitting more people more often
(adjustable furniture for multiple users over time),
(4) saving space, and (5) reducing injury costs
(Reiland, 2003).
One example uses a fictitious company with
100 computer operators and a potential purchase
of adjustable workstations that are $500 more
that a standard, fixed-type cube. The following
questions can be asked. What if a comfortable
workstation helps an employee to increase pro-
ductivity by 2% more per day? If the employee
earns $30,000 per year, that's a $600 savings per
workstation (Reiland, 2003). Managers can ask:
“Can we identify the ways that we already pay
for a poor office environment?” “Can we afford
to keep paying?” (Reiland, 2003, p. 117). This
provides new insight for looking at and justifying
ergonomic related costs.
suggestions and
resourCes For end users
End users should become knowledgeable about
ergonomic computer use. This knowledge can be
helpful when providing input to managers regarding
computer use and workstation design. Suggestions
were given in previous discussions regarding mobile
ergonomic computing issues. The following sections
provide additional suggestions for addressing end
user ergonomic issues.
eConomiCally justiFying
ergonomiCs
Some are interested in ergonomics either wholly
or partially from a cost perspective. Some ergo-
nomic computing issues can be addressed with
little or no cost. But some require expenditures
such as new workstation devices and furniture.
Managers are looking to justify costs associated
with ergonomic implementations.
How much will a new chair cost the company?
When the cost is multiplied by a larger number of
employees, the budget can expand rapidly. One
taking breaks
Taking a break from computer work is widely
stressed. Software is available to help remind
end users to take breaks. “Stretch Break Pro”
even shows “on the screen” stretches that can be
done (Mikusch, 2003). There are other software
packages available as well.
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