This study examined important risk factors and their interactions associated with physical symptoms reported by VDT users. A research model was developed. A survey was designed and conducted among 88 computer users. The results show that risk factors associated with various physical symptoms are different. Screen glare, awkward working posture, and fatigue are important factors related to physical symptoms. Psychosocial factors significantly interact with other variables, such as demographics variables, and contribute to awkward work posture and psychological stress. Workstation design variables significantly affect working postures.
This study investigated the following factors affecting the measurement accuracy of the seat pressure measurement system made by TekScan, Inc.: (a) contact time; (b) contact area; (c) the amount of force applied on the pressure mat at the time of calibration and at measurement; and (d) the consistency of contact time before calibration and measurement, and the time interval between calibration and measurement. Results show that the above factors significantly affect the accuracy of measurement. The measurement error can be limited by controlling the contact time for both calibration and measurement to 2 minutes, and controlling the contact area and applied force equally at calibration and measurement.
The objectives of this research were to: (1) determine the risk factors in the VDT workstation systems associated with the physical symptoms reported by VDT users; and (2) examine the interrelationship among these risk factors. A research model was developed. A survey was then designed and conducted among 88 computer users. Factor analysis and regression analysis methods were used to analyze the data. Different types of physical symptoms experienced by VDT operators are related to different risk factors. Ocular discomfort is significantly related to screen glare. General musculoskeletal and physical symptoms are related to fatigue and awkward work postures. Upper body symptoms are related to awkward work postures. Psychosocial factors significantly interact with other variables, such as demographic variables, and are associated with awkward work postures and psychological stress. Poor workstation designs are associated with awkward work postures which in turn are related to physical symptoms.
The Internet and web technologies continually evolve and advance. The web based technologies, systems and products have created tremendous challenges and opportunities for human factors professionals. We need to keep up with the technology trend in order to participate in the system and product design and development processes and advocate for the users. This panel session invites four human factors professionals who will review the current Internet and web technology trends and their impact on our professional work. The panel chair will start the session with a short overview and introduction. Each panelist will then give a short presentation. The discussion session will then follow. It is hoped that presentation will invoke questions from audiences, which in turn generates lively discussions.
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