An Investigation of Health Complaints and Job Stress in Video Display Operations

A questionnaire survey dealing with working conditions, job stress factors, health complaints, and psychological mood state was filled out by approximately 250 video display terminal (VDT) operators and 150 nonoperator control subjects at five participating work sites. Clerical VDT operators reported higher levels of job stress and health complaints but little difference in psychological mood state than did professional VDT operators and the control subjects. The job stressors showing the greatest impact on the clerical operators dealt with workload, workpace, lack of control over job activities, boredom, and concerns about career development. The health complaints that showed the greatest differences between the groups dealt with visual, musculoskeletal, and emotional health problems. The results indicate that job content factors and VDT use interact to contribute to VDT operator problems.