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Working Safely with Video Display Terminals
US Department of Labor Alexis M Herman, Secretary Occupational Safety and Health Administration Gregory R Watchman, Acting Assistant Secretary OSHA 3092 1997 (Revised) Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission of the Federal Government Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 219-8615; Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) message referral phone: 1-800-326-2577 Contents Introduction VDT Components Health Effects Visual Problems Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Problems Radiation Interventions Lighting Work Station Design VDT Design Work Practices Job Organization Other Sources of OSHA Assistance Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines State Programs Consultation Services Voluntary Protection Programs Training and Education Electronic Information Emergencies Appendix Selected Bibliography OSHA Related Publications States with Approved Plans OSHA Consultation Project Directory OSHA Area Offices OSHA Regional Offices Introduction The applications of computer technology and the accompanying use of video display terminals (VDTs) are revolutionizing the workplaces of America, and their use will continue to grow in the future. For example, in 1984 only 25 percent of the U.S. population used computers at work; in 1993, more than 45 percent of the population used computers at work and the number continues to grow. Also, more than 18 million workers are in jobs that often require intensive keying. Along with this expanding use of VDTs have come reports about adverse health effects for VDT operators. To help inform employers and employees, this booklet briefly examines the potential hazards and interventions employers can use to prevent or reduce the potential harmful effects of working with VDTs. Some of the most common stressors, their related health effects, and their means of prevention are discussed. A checklist to assess workstations also is included. (See Appendix.) VDT Components VDTs -- comprised of a display screen, a keyboard, and a central processing unit -- have rapidly replaced the use of typewriters and other office machines. The display screen is the output device that shows what the computer is processing. Display screens can be monochrome (green, white, or orange on a black background), or full color. The keyboard is the input device that allows the user to send information to the "brains" of the computer. Keyboards are commonly used for data entry and inquiry. The keyboard is similar to a standard typewriter keyboard but with additional special keys and functions. The central processing unit is referred to as the "brains" of the computer. It is the center of operation for all the computer processing and performs calculations and organizes the flow of information into and out of the system. The VDT operates at high voltages, but the power supplies generating these voltages produce very little current. All data processing equipment, including VDTs, must meet stringent international safety standards in this regard. Health Effects In the wake of the expanding use of VDTs, concerns have been expressed about their potential health effects. Complaints include excessive fatigue, eye strain and irritation, blurred vision, headaches, stress, and neck, back, arm, and muscle pain. Research has shown that these symptoms can result from problems with the equipment, work stations, office environment or job design, or from a combination of these. Concerns about potential exposure to electromagnetic fields also have been raised. Visual Problems Visual problems such as eyestrain and irritation are among the most frequently reported complaints by VDT operators. These visual symptoms can result from improper lighting, glare from the screen, poor positioning to the screen itself, or copy material that is difficult to read. These problems usually can be corrected by adjusting the physical and environmental setting where the VDT users work. For example, work stations and lighting can and should be arranged to avoid direct and reflected glare anywhere in the field of sight, from the display screen, or surrounding surfaces. Many VDT jobs require long sessions in front of a display screen. Consequently, some people may need corrective lens to avoid eye strain and headaches. Vision examinations should, therefore, be conducted to ensure early detection and correction of poor vision. Eyecare specialists should be informed of computer use by VDT operators. VDT operators also can reduce eyestrain by taking rest breaks, after each hour or so of operating a VDT.(*) Changing focus is another way to give eye muscles a chance to relax. The employee needs only to glance across the room or out the window from time to time and look at an object at least 20 feet (6.096 meters) away. Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Problems Work performed at VDTs may require sitting still for considerable time and usually involves small frequent movements of the eyes, head, arms, and fingers. Retaining a fixed posture over long periods of time causes muscle fatigue and, if this practice is consistent, can eventually lead to muscle pain and injury. VDT operators also are subject to a potential risk of developing various musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries to the muscles, joints, tendons, or nerves that are caused or made worse by work related risk factors. Early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders include pain and swelling, numbness and tingling (hands falling asleep), loss of strength, and reduced range of motion. If workers have any of these symptoms, they should report them to their employers as soon as possible. If these symptoms are not treated early, they can result in loss of strength in affected area, chronic pain, or permanent disability. Radiation Another issue of concern for the VDT operator is whether the emissions from radiation, such as X-ray or electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency and extreme low frequency ranges, pose a health risk. Some workers, including pregnant women, are concerned that their health could be affected by electromagnetic fields emitted from VDTs. The threat from X-ray exposures is largely discounted because of the very low emission levels. The radio frequency and extreme low-frequency electromagnetic fields are still at issue despite the low emission levels. To date, however, there is no conclusive evidence that the low levels of radiation emitted from VDTs pose a health risk to VDT operators. Some workplace designs, however, have incorporated changes -- such as increasing the distance between the operator and the terminal and between work stations -- to reduce potential exposures to electromagnetic fields. Because the possible effects of radiation from VDTs continue to concern operators, the issue is still being researched and studied. NIOSH has a resource booklet entitled, NIOSH Publications on Video Display Terminals and continues to study the question of VDT operator risk from exposure to electromagnetic fields. Interventions There are a variety of interventions that employers can implement to reduce or prevent harmful effects associated with VDT use. Lighting Light should be directed so that it does not shine into the operator's eyes when the operator is looking at the display screen. Futher, lighting should be adequate for the operator to see the text and the screen, but not so bright as to cause glare or discomfort (see Figure 1). There are four basic lighting factors that must be controlled to provide suitable office illumination and avoid eyestrain: quantity, contrast, and direct and reflected glare.  Figure 1. Position of light source relative to the VDT. Quantity. In most offices, light fixtures and daylight provide illumination for work surfaces (e.g., 50-100 foot-candles). High illumination "washes out" images on the display screen; therefore, if possible, where VDTs are used, illumination levels should be somewhat lower (i.e., 28-50 foot-candles are often satisfactory). Contrast. Contrast is the difference in luminance or brightness between two areas. To prevent the visual load caused by alternate light and dark areas, the difference in illuminance between the VDT display screen, horizontal work surface, and surrounding areas should be minimized. Most of the tasks associated with VDTs do not require precise visual acuity, and diffuse (indirect) lighting is appropriate. The advantages of diffuse lighting are twofold: There tend to be fewer hot spots, or glare sources, in the visual field; and the contrasts created by the shape of objects tend to be "softer." The result, in terms of luminous intensities, is a more uniform visual field. Where indirect lighting is not used, parabolic louvers on overhead lights are probably the next best way to ensure that light is diffused. Glare. Glare is usually defined as a harsh, uncomfortably bright, light. Glare is dependent upon the intensity, size, angle of incidence, luminance, and proximity of the source to the line of sight. Glare may be the result of direct light sources in the visual field (e.g., windows), or reflected light from polished surfaces (e.g., keyboards) or from more diffuse reflections which may reduce contrast (e.g., improper task lighting). Glare may cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility. To limit reflection from walls and work surfaces visible around the screen, these areas should be painted a medium color and have a nonreflective finish. Work stations and lighting should be arranged to avoid reflected glare on the display screen or surrounding surfaces. In many cases, the reorientation of work stations may help remove sources of glare out of the line of sight. The face of the display screen should be at right angles to windows and light sources. Care should be taken, particularly when terminals are installed within 20 feet (6.096 meters) of windows, to ensure that there is some method of blocking the sun's light, such as blinds or curtains. The proper "treatment" for window glare includes baffles, venetian blinds, draperies, shades, or filters. Screen glare filters that attach directly to the surface of a VDT screen can help reduce glare. Two types of filters are available: natural density filters, which scatter and diffuse some of the light reflected off the glass display screen, and micromesh filters, which not only scatter the light but also absorb most of the light reflected from the surface of the screen by means of an imbedded interwoven grid of dyed nylon fibers. These should be used as a last resort since filters can reduce visibility and legibility of screen. Filters should be cleaned regularly. Work Station Design Proper work station design will reduce visual and musculoskeletal discomfort associated with VDT use when the following work practices are observed:
 Figure 2. Alternative VDT arrangements (depending on job task). The employee must have adequate work space to perform each of the tasks required by the job. Individual body size must be considered and will influence the design of the work station and access to various accessories. In general, VDT work stations should provide as many adjustable features as possible. Also, adequate legroom should be provided for the employee to stretch out and relieve some of the static load that results from sitting with the legs in a fixed position for long periods. In the office environment, the work station consists primarily of a work surface, a chair, VDT equipment, and other related accessories (see Figure 3).  Figure 3. Proper user position and support. Chairs. The chair can be a crucial factor in preventing back pain as well as in improving employee performance in office work. As the majority of office workers spend most of their time sitting, a properly designed and adjustable chair for comfort, efficiency, and for the task being performed is critical. All adjustments should easily be made from the seated position. Specific chair criteria are discussed in the following paragraphs. Chair Height. When an employee spends from 6 to 8 hours in the chair, the height of the chair and the work surface are critical. The human body dimension that provides a starting point for determining correct chair height is the "popliteal" height. This is the height from the floor to the point at the crease behind the knee. The chair height is correct when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor or footrest and the back of the knee is slightly higher than the seat of the chair. This allows the blood to circulate freely in the legs and feet. Seatpan Design. Size and shape are two factors to consider in the design of the seatpan of the chair. The seatpan should be slightly concave with a softly padded, rounded, or "waterfall" edge. This will help distribute the weight and may also prevent sliding forward in the chair. The angle of the seatpan should also be considered. Some options include a seatpan that slopes slightly down at the back or one that has a forward tilt that produces less stress on the lower region. Armrests. Armrests should be low and short enough to fit under work surfaces to allow users to get close enough to the work surface. Chairs can be purchased with adjustable armrests. Backrest. A proper backrest should support the entire back including the lower region. The seat and backrest of the chair should support a comfortable posture that permits frequent variations in the sitting position. The backrest angle and chair height should be easily adjustable. VDT Design Display Screen. Most new VDTs have separate, adjustable keyboards and display screens that allow both the keyboard and display screen to be positioned appropriately for the employee. This is important because VDT operators may spend a considerable amount of time looking at the display. Screens should have user controls for character brightness. Screens that swivel horizontally and tilt or elevate vertically enable the operator to select the optimum viewing angle. The topmost line of the screen should not be higher than the user's eyes. The screen and document holder should be the same distance from the eye (to avoid constant changes in focus) and close enough together so the operator can look from one to the other without excessive movement of the neck or back. People who wear bifocals often have to tilt their head back to read through the bottom portion of their lenses. They should avoid tilting their head back by lowering the display or using single-lens glasses while using the VDT. The preferred viewing distance for VDTs ranges between 18 and 24 inches (45.72 and 60.96 centimeters, respectively). To this distance must be added the depth of the display itself. Some displays are as much as 20 inches deep (50.80 centimeters). The best way to deal with this, other than increasing table depth, is to install a keyboard extender or tray underneath the desk. Legibility is also a primary consideration in selecting a display screen. Legibility factors to be considered include symbol size and design, contrast, and sharpness. Keyboard. The keyboard should be detachable and adjustable to ensure proper position, angle, and comfort for the operator. A lower-than-normal work surface may be required to keep the operator's arms in a comfortable position. This can be achieved by installing a keyboard extender or tray. The thickness and the slope of the keyboard are critical in determining the preferred height. The preferred working position for most keyboard operators is with the forearms parallel to the floor and elbows at the sides, which allows the hands to move easily over the keyboard. The wrist should be in line with the forearm. A padded and detachable wrist rest for the keyboard can help keep the operator's wrists and hands in a straight position while keying. Mouse. The mouse should be positioned at the operator's side with his or her arm close to the body for support, while maintaining a straight line between the hand and forearm. The upper arm should not be elevated or extended while using the mouse. The top surface of the wrist should also be flat, not angled. A mouse pad or rest can be used to help maintain straight wrists. Work Practices Job Organization Operating a VDT, like any form of sustained physical or mental work, may lead to visual, muscular, or mental fatigue. Rest pauses, as recommended by NIOSH to alleviate or delay the onset of fatigue, are necessary. Jobs should be designed so that the employees can vary VDT tasks with non-VDT tasks. In addition, open and positive working relationships between the worker and manager as well as involving employeees in workplace decisions and practices can be factors in reducing muscle tension and musculoskeletal disorders. Other Sources of OSHA Assistance Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of workrelated injuries and illnesses and their related costs. To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54 (18): 3908-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA. The guidelines identify four general elements that are critical to the development of a successful safety and health management program:
State Programs The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. States with plans approved under section 18(b) of the Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective as federal requirements. There are currently 25 state plan states: 23 of these states administer plans covering both private and public (state and local government) employees; the other 2 states, Connecticut and New York, cover public employees only. Plan states must adopt standards comparable to federal requirements within 6 months of a federal standard's promulgation. Until such time as a state standard is promulgated, federal OSHA provides interim enforcement assistance, as appropriate, in these states. A listing of approved state plans appears at the end of this publication. Consultation Services Consultation assistance is available on request to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state government agencies or universities employing professional safety consultants and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal of all mechanical, physical work practices and environmental hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer's present job safety and health program. The program is separate from OSHA's inspection efforts. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health problems identified by the consultant. The service is confidential. For more information concerning consultation assistance, see the list of consultation projects at the end of this publication. Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) and onsite consultation services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three VPPs -- Star, Merit, and Demonstration -- are designed to recognize outstanding achievement by companies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management system. They motivate others to achieve excellent safety and health results in the same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship among employers, employees, and OSHA. For additional information on VPPs and how to apply, contact the OSHA area or regional offices listed at the end of this publication. Training and Education OSHA's area offices offer a variety of informational services, such as publications, audiovisual aids, technical advice, and speakers for special engagements. OSHA's Training Institute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees, and their representatives. OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded annually and grant recipients are expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost. For more information on grants, training and education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810; (847) 297-4874 fax. For further information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication. Electronic Information Internet -- OSHA standards, interpretations, directives, and additional information are now on the World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov. CD-ROM -- A wide variety of OSHA materials including standards, interpretations, directives, and more can be purchased on CD-ROM from the Government Printing Office. To order, write to Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Specify OSHA Regulations, Documents and Technical Information on CD-ROM, (ORDT), S/N 729- 1300000-5. The price is $38 per year ($47.50 foreign); $15 per single copy ($18.75 foreign). Emergencies To report life-threatening situations, fatalities, or catastrophes, call (800) 321-OSHA. Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or state office for help. For further information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication. For further information on VDTs, please consult the following sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Appendix Video Display Terminal (VDT) Checklist Can the work station be adjusted to ensure proper posture by
Selected Bibliography Arnt, R. "Working Posture and Musculoskeletal Problems of Video Display Terminal Operators: Review and Reappraisal." Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 44: 437-446, 1983. Carter, J.B. and Banister, E.W. "Musculoskeletal Problems in VDT Work: A Review." Ergonomics 37(10):1623-1648, 1994. Clift, Elayne. "Personal Computers -- User Friendly?" Gov Exe 21 (8):38-40. August 1989. Grandjean, Etienne. Ergonomics in Computerized Offices. New York: Taylor & Francis, 1987. 227 Pp. Kroemer, K.H.E. "Avoiding Cumulative Trauma Disorders in Shops and Offices." Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 53(9):596-604, 1992. Murray, W.E.; Mass, C.E.; Parr, W.H.; and Cox, C. "A Radiation and Industrial Hygiene Survey of Video Display Terminal Operations." Hum Factors 23:413-420, 1981. Pascarelli, E. and Quilter, Deborah. Repetitive Strain Injury -- A Computer User's Guide. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1994. Peterson, John E. "RMI: The Hazard of the 90s." Science/ Health Section. Marin Indep J:F6. July 30, 1989. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Public Health Service. NIOSH Publications on Video Display Terminals (Revised). NIOSH, Cincinnati, OH, 1991. OSHA Related Publications A single free copy of the following materials may be obtained from the OSHA Publications Office, U. S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N3101, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-4667; (202) 219-9266 (fax), or from the nearest OSHA regional or area offices listed at the end of this booklet. Please send a self-addressed label with your written request. All About OSHA – OSHA 2056The following publications are available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, (202) 512-1800. Include GPO Order No. and make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. Ergonomics: The Study of Work States with Approved Plans Albany, NY ....................................................... (518) 457-2741 Baltimore, MD ................................................. (410) 767-2999 Carson City, NV ............................................... (702) 687-3032 Cheyenne, WY .................................................. (307) 777-7786 Columbia, SC ................................................... (803) 734-9594 Des Moines, IA ................................................. (515) 281-3447 Frankfort, KY ................................................... (502) 564-3070 Hato Rey, PR .................................................... (809) 754-2119 Honolulu, HI ..................................................... (808) 586-8844 Indianapolis, IN ................................................ (317) 232-2378 Juneau, AK ....................................................... (907) 465-2700 Lansing, MI ...................................................... (517) 373-7230 Montpelier, VT ................................................. (802) 828-2288 Nashville, TN.................................................... (615) 741-2582 Olympia, WA .................................................... (360) 902-4200 Phoenix, AZ ...................................................... (602) 542-5795 Raleigh, NC ...................................................... (919) 662-4585 Richmond, VA................................................... (804) 786-2377 Salem, OR......................................................... (503) 378-3272 Salt Lake City, UT ............................................ (801) 530-6898 San Francisco, CA ............................................ (415) 972-8835 Santa Fe, NM .................................................... (505) 827-2850 St. Croix, VI...................................................... (809) 773-1994 St. Paul, MN ..................................................... (612) 296-2342 Wethersfield, CT ............................................... (860) 566-5123 OSHA Consultation Project Directory Alabama ...................................................................... (205) 348-7136 Alaska ......................................................................... (907) 269-4957 Arizona ....................................................................... (602) 542-5795 Arkansas ..................................................................... (501) 682-4522 California .................................................................... (415) 972-8515 Colorado ..................................................................... (970) 491-6151 Connecticut ................................................................. (860) 566-4550 Delaware ..................................................................... (302) 761-8219 District of Columbia ................................................... (202) 576-6339 Florida ......................................................................... (904) 488-3044 Georgia ....................................................................... (404) 894-2646 Guam .......................................................................... (671) 475-0136 Hawaii......................................................................... (808) 586-9100 Idaho ........................................................................... (208) 385-3283 Illinois ......................................................................... (312) 814-2337 Indiana ........................................................................ (317) 232-2688 Iowa ............................................................................ (515) 281-5352 Kansas......................................................................... (913) 296-7476 Kentucky..................................................................... (502) 564-6895 Louisiana .................................................................... (504) 342-9601 Maine .......................................................................... (207) 624-6460 Maryland..................................................................... (410) 333-4210 Massachusetts ............................................................. (617) 727-3982 Michigan ................................................................ (517) 332-8250(H) ............................................................................(517) 322-1809(S) Minnesota ................................................................... (612) 297-2393 Mississippi .................................................................. (601) 987-3981 Missouri ...................................................................... (573) 751-3403 Montana ...................................................................... (406) 444-6418 Nebraska ..................................................................... (402) 471-4717 Nevada ........................................................................ (702) 486-5016 New Hampshire .......................................................... (603) 271-2024 New Jersey.................................................................. (609) 292-2424 New Mexico ............................................................... (505) 827-4230 New York .................................................................... (518) 457-2481 North Carolina ............................................................ (919) 662-4644 North Dakota .............................................................. (701) 328-5188 Ohio ............................................................................ (614) 644-2246 Oklahoma ................................................................... (405) 528-1500 Oregon ........................................................................ (503) 378-3272 Pennsylvania ............................................................... (412) 357-2561 Puerto Rico ................................................................. (809) 754-2188 Rhode Island ............................................................... (401) 277-2438 South Carolina ............................................................ (803) 734-9614 South Dakota .............................................................. (605) 688-4101 Tennessee .................................................................... (615) 741-7036 Texas ........................................................................... (512) 440-3834 Utah ............................................................................ (801) 530-6868 Vermont ...................................................................... (802) 828-2765 Virginia ....................................................................... (804) 786-6359 Virgin Islands .............................................................. (809) 772-1315 Washington ................................................................. (360) 902-5638 West Virginia .............................................................. (304) 558-7890 Wisconsin .............................................................. (608) 266-8579(H) ............................................................................(414) 521-5063(S) Wyoming .................................................................... (307) 777-7700 (H) - Health (S) - Safety OSHA Area Offices Albany, NY ................................................................. (518) 464-4338 Albuquerque, NM ....................................................... (505) 248-5302 Allentown, PA............................................................. (610) 776-0592 Anchorage, AK ........................................................... (907) 271-5152 Appleton, WI .............................................................. (414) 734-4521 Austin, TX .................................................................. (512) 916-5783 Avenel, NJ .................................................................. (908) 750-3270 Baltimore, MD ............................................................ (410) 962-2840 Bangor, ME................................................................. (207) 941-8177 Baton Rouge, LA ........................................................ (504) 389-0474 Bayside, NY ............................................................... (718) 279-9060 Bellevue, WA.............................................................. (206) 553-7520 Billings, MT ............................................................... (406) 247-7494 Birmingham, AL ......................................................... (205) 731-1534 Bismarck, ND ............................................................. (701) 250-4521 Boise, ID ..................................................................... (208) 334-1867 Bowmansville, NY ..................................................... (716) 684-3891 Braintree, MA ............................................................. (617) 565-6924 Bridgeport, CT ............................................................ (203) 579-5581 Calumet City, IL ......................................................... (708) 891-3800 Carson City, NV ......................................................... (702) 885-6963 Charleston, WV .......................................................... (304) 347-5937 Cincinnati, OH ............................................................ (513) 841-4132 Cleveland, OH ............................................................ (216) 522-3818 Columbia, SC ............................................................. (803) 765-5904 Columbus, OH ............................................................ (614) 469-5582 Concord, NH............................................................... (603) 225-1629 Corpus Christi, TX ..................................................... (512) 888-3420 Dallas, TX ................................................................... (214) 320-2400 Denver, CO ................................................................. (303) 844-5285 Des Plaines, IL ............................................................ (847) 803-4800 Des Moines, IA ........................................................... (515) 284-4794 Englewood, CO .......................................................... (303) 843-4500 Erie, PA....................................................................... (814) 833-5758 Fort Lauderdale, FL .................................................... (954) 424-0242 Fort Worth, TX ........................................................... (817) 428-2470 Frankfort, KY ............................................................. (502) 227-7024 Harrisburg, PA ............................................................ (717) 782-3902 Hartford, CT ............................................................... (860) 240-3152 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ ............................................... (201) 288-1700 Guaynabo, PR ............................................................. (787) 277-1560 Honolulu, HI ............................................................... (808) 541-2685 Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 286-0583 Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 591-2438 Indianapolis, IN .......................................................... (317) 226-7290 Jackson, MS ................................................................ (601) 965-4606 Jacksonville, FL .......................................................... (904) 232-2895 Kansas City, MO......................................................... (816) 483-9531 Lansing, MI ................................................................ (517) 377-1892 Little Rock, AR........................................................... (501) 324-6291 Lubbock, TX ............................................................... (806) 472-7681 Madison, WI ............................................................... (608) 264-5388 Marlton, NJ ................................................................. (609) 757-5181 Methuen, MA .............................................................. (617) 565-8110 Milwaukee, WI ........................................................... (414) 297-3315 Minneapolis, MN ........................................................ (612) 348-1994 Mobile, AL ................................................................. (334) 441-6131 Nashville, TN.............................................................. (615) 781-5423 New York, NY ............................................................ (212) 466-2482 Norfolk, VA ................................................................ (804) 441-3820 North Aurora, IL ......................................................... (630) 896-8700 North Syracuse, NY.................................................... (315) 451-0808 Oklahoma City, OK .................................................... (405) 231-5351 Omaha, NE ................................................................. (402) 221-3182 Parsippany, NJ ............................................................ (201) 263-1003 Peoria, IL .................................................................... (309) 671-7033 Philadelphia, PA ......................................................... (215) 597-4955 Phoenix, AZ ................................................................ (602) 640-2007 Pittsburgh, PA ............................................................. (412) 644-2903 Portland, OR ............................................................... (503) 326-2251 Providence, RI ............................................................ (401) 528-4669 Raleigh, NC ................................................................ (919) 856-4770 Sacramento, CA .......................................................... (916) 566-7470 Salt Lake City, UT ...................................................... (801) 487-0073 San Diego, CA ............................................................ (619) 557-2909 Savannah, GA ............................................................. (912) 652-4393 Smyrna, GA ................................................................ (770) 984-8700 Springfield, MA .......................................................... (413) 785-0123 St. Louis, MO ............................................................. (314) 425-4249 Tampa, FL.................................................................... (813) 626-1177 Tarrytown, NY ............................................................ (914) 524-7510 Toledo, OH ................................................................. (419) 259-7542 Tucker, GA ................................................................. (770) 493-6644 Westbury, NY ............................................................. (516) 334-3344 Wichita, KS................................................................. (316) 269-6644 Wilkes-Barre, PA ........................................................ (717) 826-6538 Wilmington, DE ...........................................................(302) 573-6115 OSHA Regional Offices Region I (CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*) JFK Federal Building Room E-340 Boston, MA 02203 Telephone: (617) 565-9860 Region II (NJ, NY,* PR,* VI*) 201 Varick Street Room 670 New York, NY 10014 Telephone: (212) 337-2378 Region III (DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV) Gateway Building, Suite 2100 3535 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 Telephone: (215) 596-1201 Region IV (AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC, SC,* TN*) Atlanta Federal Center 61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Room 6T50 Atlanta, GA 30303 Telephone: (404) 562-2300 Region V (IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI) 230 South Dearborn Street Room 3244 Chicago, IL 60604 Telephone: (312) 353-2220 Region VI (AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX) 525 Griffin Street Room 602 Dallas, TX 75202 Telephone: (214) 767-4731 Region VII (IA,* KS, MO, NE) City Center Square 1100 Main Street, Suite 800 Kansas City, MO 64105 Telephone: (816) 426-5861 Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*) 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690 Denver, CO 80202-5716 Telephone: (303) 844-1600 Region IX (American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* Guam, HI,* NV,* Trust Territories of the Pacific) 71 Stevenson Street Room 420 San Francisco, CA 94105 Telephone: (415) 975-4310 Region X (AK,* ID, OR,* WA*) 1111 Third Avenue Suite 715 Seattle, WA 98101-3212 Telephone: (206) 553-5930 *The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a 10-minute rest break after 2 hours of continuous VDT work for operators under moderate visual demands; and a 15-minute rest break after 1 hour of continuous VDT work where there is a high visual demand or repetitive work task. *These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs (Connecticut and New York plans cover public employees only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard. |
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Page last updated: 02/10/2005 | |
