Discomforts of tasks video users: The case of workers of ENEA area in Bologna (Italy)

The aim of this study is to investigate the subjective musculoskeletal discomfort in a sample of 334 workers (204 males and 130 females) of the ENEA area in Bologna, using for different periods and tasks video display units (VDU). On a preliminary self report questionnaire the workers have reported: hours at VDU per day, type of task type of hardware, physical-ergonomic environmental conditions, equipment and layout of the work station. Then, on a case-history form, the researcher has recorded for each subject: anamnesis, fatigue symptoms, discomfort and pain perceived in the back, shoulder, hand and arm regions. The results have shown that, in this sample, the main cause for potential musculoskeletal problems is related to aging whereas the women mainly engaged in repetitive jobs seem to be more likely subject to these troubles. About the correlation between type of task and musculoskeletal discomfort, the females refer more complaints than the males, especially when the task is repetitive. Also the number of hours spent at VDU per day is higher in the females. Finally, about physical-ergonomic environmental conditions, most users have not referred discomforts related to lighting, noise, micro climate or to work station (equipment and layout)