Effectiveness of a VDT ergonomics training program

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ergonomics training program directed toward video display terminal (VDT) users in an office environment. The goals of the training were to teach VDT users to evaluate and adjust their own workstations (i.e., a self-directed intervention) and confer upon each user the responsibility of maintaining an ergonomic workstation, with the ultimate aim of reducing musculoskeletal symptoms. Questionnaires were administered to 170 participants before and after the program to determine changes in both workstation configuration and self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms. The results indicated statistically significant positive changes in two workstation configuration variables (head and mouse position). There were statistically significant improvements observed in the severity of symptoms. The presence of symptoms did not show a statistically significant reduction; however there was a trend toward a reduction in frequency. The results suggest the program was effective in changing reported workstation configuration/posture, which resulted in a reduction of symptom severity over the period of the study. Longer-term follow up may be necessary to detect statistically significant changes in the presence of symptoms. Relevance to industry Musculoskeletal injuries associated with improper video display terminal (VDT) workstation setup represent a health and financial burden to employees and industry. Training programs to provide employees with the necessary ergonomics knowledge and skills regarding proper workstation setup may be effective in reducing and preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.