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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-299-2230, US West Communications, Phoenix, Arizona, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado.

Hales T; Sauter S

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 89-299-2230, 1992 Jul; :1-64

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1989-0299-2230.pdf

00210212

In response to a request from US West Communications (SIC-4813) and the Communications Workers of America, an evaluation was undertaken of the effects of the use of video display terminals on the musculoskeletal systems of Directory Assistance Operators. A cross sectional study was made of 533 workers employed by the company in Phoenix, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Denver. Information on the type of workstations, job requirements, and worker health was gathered. Two types of musculoskeletal outcomes were identified for analysis: potential work related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders defined by physical examination and questionnaire, and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms defined by questionnaire alone based on a cumulative score of symptom duration, frequency and intensity. The authors conclude that there was a high prevalence of potential work related musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms. Factors associated with these disorders include demographics, prior medical conditions, work practices, psychosocial aspects of the workplace, and electronic performance monitoring. Most of the physical workstations observed were of high ergonomic quality. The psychosocial work environment may be related to the occurrence of work related upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. The authors recommend specific measures to improve working conditions and possibly prevent and control musculoskeletal disorders.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-89-299-2230; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-9; Region-5; Region-8; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Job-stress; Computer-equipment; Office-workers; Keyboard-operators; Video-display-terminals; Cumulative-trauma-disorders; Author Keywords: Telecommunications; video display terminals; office automation; ergonomics; psychosocial; work stress; electronic performance monitoring; keystrokes; musculoskeletal disorders; tendinitis; carpal tunnel syndrome

19920701

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1992

PB93-119329

A05

HETA-89-299-2230

DSHEFS

4813

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH