VDTs

Moderator:
Nancy Miller-Chenier, Researcher

Panelists:
Jane Armstrong, Research
Analyst, CALEA

Gary Cwitco, Stan Representative
(Specialized in Health & Safety),
Communications Workers of Canada

Eileen Beck, Consultant, Working
Environments, New York

Jane Armstrong's presentation focused on why unions are concerned with VDT safety, particularly in relation to levels of radiation. The analysis included a look at the various types of electromagnetic radiation emitted by VDTs. Much evidence I supports the suspicion that government-approved standards are insufficient for adequate protection of the worker. Health hazards, I in particular birth defects and miscarriages, were examined.

Gary Cwitco described how the introduction of VDTs in the workplace has created a new, more stressful environment. Using the example of telephone operators, it was shown that the job fits almost perfectly into Bertil Gardell's five key conditions of stressful work: 1) machine pacing or machine control; 2) monotonous, repetitive work; 3) lack of meaningful contact with other people; 4) piece rate payment systems; and 5) authoritarian. control systems.

The presentation outlined the difficulty of achieving solutions, which comes about because solutions require change in what employers see as a fundamental management right: the power to organize work. The problem will be solved only by shifting the balance of control over the way in which the technology is used, from those who own it to those who use it.

Eileen Beck concentrated on concrete measures to reduce VDT-related health hazards, such as eye fatigue and muscular/ skeletal problems. Elements of a solution include frequent rest breaks (10 minutes per hour), use of antiglare screens, repositioning of the terminals, regular eye examinations, adequate lighting, use of document holders, and use of footrests.

Participants raised several issues of concern:

• Does smoking in the vicinity of a VDT increase the level of radiation?
• Do plastic partitions around terminals contribute to eye-strain?
• Are there examples of management cooperating with staff or unions to provide a healthy working environment?

Action:

• Short-term activities should include unionization of workers who use the terminals, education on the impact of VDT use on health, and the involvement of workers in every aspect of planning and implementation of VDTs.

• Unions must strive to shift the balance of control over the way in which the technology is used, from those who own it to those who use it.

• Continuing education for workers and managers, and further research on specific and broad issues related to VDT use must become top priority for labour and management.