1	Maine Video Display Terminal Law Training Program
2	By the end of this presentation you will be able to: Identify the elements of the law Identify the training requirements Define ergonomics and its benefits Recognize signs and symptoms of early injury Identify work activities that can lead to injury List examples of ergonomic principles that reduce risk of injury
3	Maine VDT Law MRSA Title 26 – Labor and Industry Chapter 5 – Health and Safety Regulations Sections: 251 and 252 – Video Display Operator Effective date: January 1, 1992
4	Section: 251 Definitions Bureau – Bureau of Labor Standards Employer – Uses 2 or more terminals Operator – Four consecutive hours daily Terminal – Video display terminal (Does not apply to television, oscilloscopes, cash registers, or money typewriters)
5	Section: 252 Education Training requirements Under 5 employees MAY be only written 6 employees or more MUST be oral and written Training schedule Within the first month of hire Annually thereafter
6	Training Program Requirements Notification of rights by posting the law and poster that explains these rights and duties in plain language. (available from Bureau of Labor standards – 624-6400) Explanation of the proper use of the terminals Protective measures to avoid symptoms How to achieve and maintain proper posture How to adjust your workstation equipment
7	Definition of Ergonomics Ergonomics: It is the science and practice of designing jobs and workplaces to match the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Ergonomics means: fitting the job to the worker.
8	Benefits of Ergonomics Ergonomics helps to prevent injuries Ergonomics has other benefits: Improved quality of work Improved quality of life Reduced fatigue and discomfort
9	Safety, Health and the VDT Law Education on injury prevention is an important part of safety and health There are thousands of injuries, known as WMSD’s, in Maine each year (WMSD: Work-related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders)
10	What are Work-related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (WMSD’s) Also known as: Cumulative Trauma Disorders Repetitive Strain Injuries Overuse Injuries Usually develop gradually, but sometimes can appear suddenly Can be serious, if not taken care of early
11	What are Symptoms of WMSD’s? Discomfort, pain, dull ache Decreased range of motion, tightness Numbness, tingling Change of color Swelling of joint or limb Decreased grip strength
12	What Causes WMSD’s? Nutritional deficiencies Poor lighting Prolonged standing in one place Sitting (poor posture) Working with neck flexed Repetitive motion Forceful exertion Awkward posture Mechanical pressure Cold temperatures Stress
13	Will it happen to me? Age General health Heredity Posture Diet Activities
14	WMSD Injury Depends On! Duration of exposure (how long) – usually need hours of exposure before risk factors become a concern. Frequency of exposure (how often) Intensity of exposure (how much) Combinations of factors
15	Awkward Postures
16	Awkward Postures
17	Awkward Postures
18	Solutions: Static Postures Foot rests, shifting weight Well designed, adjustable, supportive seating Work surfaces at appropriate height Change positions frequently Routine stretch breaks
19	Neutral Posture Head centered over shoulders 90° angle for arms 90° angle for legs 90° angle for torso
20	Solutions: The Chair The right size Lumbar support Proper height Armrests (removable) Pan Good foundation Adjustable while sitting or seated
21	Adjustments Backrest Lumbar support Seat Height Foundation Armrest
22	Armrests
23	Base of Chair Correct casters 5 point suspension
24	Shoulders
25	Solution: The Monitor The monitor should be directly in front of you Top of screen should be eye level A copy stand should be adjacent to or in front of the monitor Adjust brightness and contrast
26	Monitors
27	Options Space saver Low glare External keyboard External mouse
28	Monitor Riser Up in place Up and back Down and forward
29	Glare
30	Placement Not good Not good
31	Solution: The Keyboard Spread keyboard work throughout the day Use macros for common functions Take stretch pauses Improve your posture and move around as much as possible
32	Keyboard Trays
33	Keyboards Wrist bent upward Wrist bent to side
34	Alternatives
35	Wrists Not good Not good
36	Wrists Good
37	Compromise Chose right height for the keyboard Chair height
38	Mouse / Pointer
39	Alternatives
40	Support
41	Mouse Placement
42	Mouse Placement
43	You, Keyboard, Monitor
44	Solution: Lighting Bright lighting may “wash out” the image making it hard to see which will cause eye fatigue. Lighting should be indirect or “task lighting” should be used to reduce wash out or glare.
45	Solution: Glare Screen 90^oangle to window Drapes or blinds Avoid bright lights Screen hood Walls, work surfaces non-reflective Keep screen clean Adjust color, contrast, and brightness
46	Solutions: Workspace and Other Devices Workspace Document holders Telephones Stretching Office Environment
47	Where Should it Be?
48	Document Holders
49	Choices Best Okay
50	Telephones
51	Talking Very good Not good
52	Work Area
53	Organizers
54	Organizers
55	Stretches Relieves static posture Keeps fluids circulating Prevents toxins from building up in tissues
56	Change Positions
57	Stand-up Workstations
58	Sharing Workstations
59	Office Environment
60	Lighting
61	Stress
62	Environment Air circulation Air conditioning
63	What Can You Do? Recognize and report symptoms Get involved in ergonomics Perform an Ergonomic Risk Assessment
64	Ergonomic Risk Assessment Identify the Hazards – use the attached checklist. Assess the Risk – how often do you do your job, your health, posture, workstation evaluation (attached). Control the risks – Adjust your workstation to fit your ergonomic needs.
65	Symptom Recognition and Reporting Report symptoms if: Pain is persistent, severe or worsening Pain radiates Symptoms include numbness or tingling Symptoms keep you from sleeping at night
66	Why is it Important to Report Symptoms? Chronic symptoms can lead to disabling injuries, even surgery Early treatment is more successful
67	Work Process Even when the workstation design and environmental factors are at their best, a worker can suffer discomfort and injuries from factors related to the work process.
68	Five Key Points to Remember Ergonomics can help you on your job and at home WMSD’s can happen in jobs with risk factors Risk factors can be reduced and WMSD’s prevented Reporting symptoms early is important You can help by following good ergonomic practices
69	Getting Assistance Your supervisor MDOL/Bureau of Labor Standards Telephone No. 623-7900 Fax No. 624-6449 www.safetyworksmaine.org Keys to Your Good Work -Publication OSHA –www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations OSHA – www.OSHA.gov
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