Ergonomic aspects of word processing installations in the National Coal Board. A workplace and environmental survey of five installations with comparative guidelines

An ergonomic evaluation was carried out on five word processing installations in the National Coal Board. The evaluation included workspace design and environment. The evaluation included detailed examination of controls and displays; auditory, thermal and visual environments; workspace and workplace design. The report also contains the results of a radiation survey on a.typical Visual Display Terminal (VDT), conducted by the National Radiological Protection Board.The findings of the survey were compared with the published scientific literature and with recommendations put forward by trade unions. . The findings largely satisfy the published criteria; the exceptions are unlikely to have significance to the health and safety of the operators. Certain recommendations pose difficulties in practical application and these are identified.