![]() ![]() Researchers indicate musculoskeletal symptoms are more frequently reported by computer operators than workers in traditional jobs.Īccording to scientific and medical information, including data from studies conducted/sponsored by CWA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department, serious musculoskeletal health symptoms are most often associated with computer jobs requiring constrained working positions for an entire work shift. Complaints mentioned less often involve the arms, hands, and legs. Operator complaints are most often related to the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists. Postural or musculoskeletal problems are common to many sedentary jobs. In this case, the lens of the eye loses its capability of focusing at close distances- farsightedness. This usually occurs as a result of the natural deterioration of a person's eyesight. Researchers note that the majority of computer operators around 40 years of age will require glasses. Health effects related to visual performance (e.g., blurred vision) may have a recovery period of 15-20 minutes or more. For example, severe optical discomforts (eye irritation, soreness, and tiredness) may not go away within a short period of time following work and may be present at the start of the next workday. Numerous studies have indicated that different types of visual discomfort may produce varied effects. ![]() Data suggests that some types of computer work produce greater levels of visual complaints than traditional office or visually demanding inside work. Many studies indicate that computer workers suffer from a high rate of visual disturbances. The rate of visual complaints is dependent upon the type of computer work (data input, data output, and dialogue) and the particular visual demands associated with the work and the work environment. In addition, many workers indicate the occurrence of headaches. Other less frequently mentioned visual symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, color fringes, and reported deterioration of visual acuity. Ocular complaints include eye discomfort, eyestrain, burning, itching, irritation, and aching. Visual and ocular problems are most frequently reported by computer workers. These may be categorized as visual, musculoskeletal, and job stress-related. Research has indicated that there are specific health symptoms associated with the use of computers. In the coming years, the number of Union members working with computers will continue to grow at an ever-increasing rate. Since the latter 1970s, the number of CWA members utilizing computers has increased from a few thousand to more than 450,000. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that, at present, there are more than 100 million computer workers in the United States. ![]() One particular device-the computer- has, in part, resulted in increased worker productivity and efficiency, but often with a corresponding development of occupational safety and health problems. In some instances, new technology has improved member working conditions, but, in others, new technology has produced several detrimental effects. Quite often, employers purchase and implement equipment without informing the Union and with little concern for the safety and health of their employees. Frequently, the employer that installs new technology does so under the guise of progress to increase worker productivity and efficiency. Changing technology has affected CWA members greatly- in some instances advantageously, but in others disadvantageously. ![]()
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