Office Workers' Survey Calls Video Terminals a Health Risk

The use of video display terminals (VDT) creates stress and health problems among Harvard office workers, according to a study by clerical workers at the Harvard Medical Area.

The survey of 220 medical area office workers found that 58 percent of office workers who use VDT's experienced back strain, compared with 20 percent of workers who did not VDT-users also experienced more eye and neck strain, the survey said

Marie Manna, a member of the United Auto workers Organizing Committee, which sponsored the survey, said the study aims to "get in on the ground floor before [office automation] becomes even more prevalent."

No Answer

The Committee on New Office Technology, a group of II clerical workers who conducted the survey, submitted the study to five deans at the Med School. None of the deans has responded officially to the survey, but several Harvard officials yesterday defended the use of VDT's.

"Every known study to date had indicated that there is no known health hezard from these VDT's." Daniel C. Cantor, director of personnel, said yesterday. He added that there are "strainful things associated with them, just like watching TV for a long time, reading a book for a long time, or sitting in the same position for a long time."

The clerical workers who conducted the survey proposed guidelines to help alleviate the health problems caused by the VDT's. The group recommended in particular that Harvard use terminals that are adjusted to the individual user.

The United Auto Workers sponsored the survey as part of a continuing effort to show the need for a union at the Medical Area. The Union has twice lost organizing elections in the Medical Area, first in 1977, and then in April of 1981

Louis J. Dibernardinis, industrial hygienist at University Health Services, said that in determining the possible risk of VDT's, the crucial issue is one of "good work-station design." Fear of radiation and chemicals from the VDT's has been fully discounted by studies over the past decade, he said. But proper chairs, tables and lighting should be provided, he added.

The survey showed that most Harvard offices do not supply equipment like detachable keyboards, brightness controls, or glare shields. "Much of the equipment used in this country would not be permitted to be used in many European countries." Deborah Katz, a member of the survey group, said yesterday.

Similar surveys have been conducted by a Norwegian Computing Center, a Swedish Insurance Company, and a Sun Francisco bank. In each, a higher percentage than at Harvard indicates eyestrain, neck strain and back strain.