The document discusses ergonomics and outlines several factors related to assessing health risks from display screen equipment use, including screen characteristics, equipment design and adjustability, work space, environment, software, and rest breaks. It defines ergonomics as designing tasks to suit an individual's physical and mental capabilities. When assessing a visual display unit workstation, the main factors to consider include the height and position of the keyboard and screen, an adjustable chair with lumbar support and swivel capability. Prolonged seated work can increase risks of musculoskeletal disorders, back problems, circulatory issues, and other health risks if ergonomic design is poor.

1. ERGONOMICS
1. Outline the factors to be considered when assessing risks to health of a user of DSE.
The factors to be considered when assessing risks to health of a user of DSE
are:
• SCREEN CHARACTERISTICS: (definition, flicker, reflections, glare, etc)
• DESIGN &DEMENSION OF THE EQUIPMENT: as desk, chair, keyboard,
screen, etc
• ADJUSTABILITY OF THE EQUIPMENT: as chair, screen etc.
• WORK SPACE: enough for workers to move during work.
• Work environment: lighting, ventilation, comfortable temperature, reduction of
noise, etc.
• Software ergonomic: size, colours, delays, etc.
• Rest break: to be provided (this require resigning task).
• User characteristics: posture, eyesight, pregnancy, etc.
2. Explain the meaning of the term “ergonomic”
ERGONOMIC: is designing a task to suit the individual in terms of physical and
mental capabilities and the individual’s expectations.
3. Outline the main factors to be considered in an ergonomic assessment of a
workstation to be used by an operator of a visual display unit (VDU).
Factors to be considered in an ergonomic assessment of a workstation to be
used by an operator of VDU:
• Height and position of keyboard & screen,
• Design of Chair to be adjustable, with swivel capability, with good lumbar
support and to be sloped so that on seating thigh is parallel to the ground”.
• Adjustability of screen.
• Screen characteristics (definition, color, reflection, glare, etc.,
• Environmental factors: as lighting, temperature, humidity, workspace, noise, etc.
4. Identify TWO work activities that may rise to WRULDs.
Activities that will give rise to WRULDs:
• Keyboard use (DSE operators).
• Assembly work
• Supermarket check operator
• Hair dressers
• Cleaners.

2. 5. Outline measure that can be taken to reduce the risk of WRULDs.
Measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of WRULDs are:
• Redesign task (e.g. automation to avoid repetitive manual tasks)
• Work organization (e.g.: job rotation).
• Equipment design: as keyboard, screen, chair, desk, etc. for DSE operators.
• Proper selection and training of personnel
6. Outline the possible effect on health that may be caused by the poor ergonomic
design of a VDU workstation.
The possible effects on health that may be caused by the poor ergonomic
design of VDU workstations are:
• WRULDs: manifested by pain in neck, shoulder or upper limb usually following
repetitive tasks a DSE use, assembly work, etc.
• Eyestrain manifested by diminution of vision, headache, etc. and it usually result
from poor lighting in work area, no enough distance away from the screen,
reflections, glare etc.
• Fatigue and stress: manifested by lack of concentration irritably, lack of temper,
etc. and is usually due to continuous work. (with no breaks).
• Facial dermatitis: manifested by skin rash on the face and is due to work in a hot
ill-ventilated place.
7. A computer user has complaint of neck and back pain. Outline the features
associated with the workstation that might have contributed towards this condition.
• Screen position is improper layout of screen or to be at an incorrect height
leading to repeated head movement.
• Chair is at incorrect height or the seat back incorrectly adjusted.
• Lighting is poor general or local lighting.
• Reflections & glare on the screen will force the user to adopt awkward postures
to avoid them.
• Exposure to draughts.
• The sitting of ancillary equipment (as printer) will also impose awkward
movements as twisting.
8. Outline the feature of a suitable seat for sedentary work.
• To be adjustable: to suit different users of different heights.
• To be provided with swivel capability: to allow movement without twisting the
body.
• Adequate lumbar support should be provided by the seat back.
• Seat should be sloped so that on seating, the thighs are parallel to floor.
• Seat is to be provided with armrest.
• Footrest is to be provided (to be used when required).
• Tilt capability is required in particular circumstances.

3. • The base should be stable and depending on the type of activity it may need
castors.
• To be made materials appropriate for the environment.
9. Outline the possible health risks associated with working in a seated position
For a prolonged period of time
• Back problems: due to damage in vertebrae or in back muscles,
• Problems due to static posture: as musculoskeletal disorders of necks
shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, etc.
• Effects on joints, tendons & ligaments.
• Numbness or tingling: due to compression & entrapment of nerves.
• Circulatory problems as restricted blood flow to limbs that can eventually lead to
deep venous thrombosis (D.V.T).
• Cardiovascular health problem e.g. elevated blood pressure
• Digestive disorders.
10. Outline the symptoms of WRULDs and the factors that will increase the risk of
occurrence of WRULDs.
Symptoms of WRULDs: symptoms appear in the upper limb (neck, should, arm,
forearm, wrist & hand) and include:
• Dull aching pain.
• Inability to grasp things securely,
• With contained progress of the case, the victim may become incapacitated and
lose ability to use the part.
Factors increasing risk of occurrence of WRULDs:
• Repetitive movements: sufficient break times.
• Awkward postures: as stooping, twisting, over reaching.
• Improper selection of the worker for the job: the worker is not fit enough to
perform the job.
• Improper training of the worker,
• Improper design of the workstation: including insufficient space, improper chair,
desk, keyboard and screen position, etc.