AFSCME Contract - MMB Home - Minnesota Management & Budget

APPENDIX L - POLICY ON VDT ERGONOMICS
Prepared Jointly by AFSCME, Council 5 and the
Minnesota Management & Budget Through
A Joint Labor-Management Committee
Purpose and Scope. This policy is intended to provide guidelines to state agencies and
employees addressing ergonomic considerations associated with the operation of Video Display
Terminals (VDTs).
Specifically, this policy provides agencies with options they should explore to enhance the general
working conditions of those employees who operate a VDT and encourages discussion with
employees who will be operating new VDT hardware and/or software being purchased.
This policy is not subject to the grievance and arbitration provisions contained in Article 17 of this
Agreement.
Policy. It is the policy of the State Executive Branch to provide employees who work with VDT's
on a continuing and substantial basis with a consistent reference in regard to recognized
workplace hazards and work station comfort which would enable state employees to perform
productively.
Policy Guidelines
A. Illumination: Effective illumination in the space housing VDTs/CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube) is
an important part of insuring health and user comfort. Lighting levels for VDT/CRT work should
be substantially lower than for tasks using printed materials or in traditional office work.
Illumination is measured in units called lux, or footcandles. While the lighting in offices is
usually 750 lux (75 footcandles) and higher, the lighting level where VDTs are used should be
in a lower range (200-500 lux or 20-50 footcandles).
Lower lighting can be accomplished by simply removing bulbs or reaching an agreement with
the building lessor to make arrangements for more suitable lighting conditions. Task lighting
may be necessary in areas where illumination levels are particularly low. The Safety and
Workers' Compensation Director's Office or your Department Safety Officer are able to provide
assistance in determining appropriate lighting levels.
B. Control of Glare and Reflection: Glare and reflection are primary problems for employees
who operate VDT/CRTs. As a result of these problems, operators may incur eye discomfort or
eye strain. A number of corrective actions should be taken to alleviate these problems
including the use of indirect lighting, covering windows with blinds, repositioning work stations
so that operators are not facing windows or bright lights, and use of hoods around screens. As
a general rule, screens should not be placed with a window directly in front or behind the
terminal and the screen should be positioned at a 90 degree angle to windows. Managers
should review VDT/CRT work areas and act to correct glare and reflection problems.
C. Work Station Design: Many musculoskeletal problems of fatigue and stress which may arise
through VDT/CRT use can be reduced through proper work station design. Agencies should
consider suggested ergonomic recommendations when purchasing equipment, redesigning
work areas, and when employees express concerns. It is the policy of the employer to select
equipment which meets industry standards in regard to character height and width, character
spacing, word and line spacing, and character format. Aspects which should be considered in
work station design include screen placement and color; keyboard, chair, and table height; and
use of related equipment to reduce strain and maximize the comfort of the work station.
Examples of such considerations include:
2013-2015 AFSCME Contract – Page 150