Ergonomic Hazards. Visual Display Units
2. Hazards and their causes
Working with VDU equipment is not free from risk. Studies carried out to date have shown that absenteeism produced by medium- and short-term illnesses in workers who use VDUs is due to specific risks in the form of:
- Irritation of the eyes.
- Pain in the back, neck, head and joints.
- Discomfort due to noise and vibrations.
- Irritability or depression.
It is clear that any situation of risk presents a cause in its origin directly related to it. Thus, once the risks have been determined, we may also group together the possible causes.
a) Individual causes. The person’s physical condition.
b) Causes related to the post and the equipment.
c) Environmental causes. The micro-environment of the premises or room where the work is carried out.
d) Causes related to work organisation.
