VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS (Effects on operators)

Mr Lim Boon Heng asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour, with the increasing use of visual display units, if the Ministry of Labour will be undertaking a comprehensive study on industrial health related to the use of such equipment, and if the Ministry intends to issue guidelines for the protection of workers using such equipment.

The Minister of State for Labour (Dr Wong Kwei Cheong) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Sir, visual display units (VDUs) have been introduced into industry on a wide scale in many countries during the last decade. They have only recently gained popularity in the Republic.

Experience in other countries shows that, basically, concern about the use of VDUs on health revolves round radiation hazards and eye problems. In the case of radiation hazards, the Radiation Protection Inspectorate of the Department of Scientific Services conducted a test on VDUs in December, 1980, and concluded that they emitted "no hazardous radiation harmful to the general health of an operator". The UK Health and Safety Executive and the relevant authority of other countries like the US also hold a similar view.

As regards eye problems, the UK Health and Safety Executive has concluded that, while for most people VDUs pose no risk to health, some attention should be paid to certain aspects of their use if eye discomfort is to be avoided. This organization as well as the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health have proposed ways to reduce eye complaints.

There is, therefore, no need to undertake a comprehensive study on health hazards related to the use of VDUs. The Industrial Health Department of the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation regarding the use of VDUs. It will liaise with the Radiation Protection Inspectorate to ensure that radiation levels remain low. The Ministry will issue guidelines to industry to reduce complaints of eye strain in due course.

Mr Rohan bin Kamis (Telok Blangah): Sir, would the Minister of State elaborate what these guidelines would be?

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong: Sir, guidelines will be issued in relation to lighting, such as screen and character size, brightness and contrast, work station and general illumination levels, viewing distance and angle, and minimizing screen glare. Guidelines will also be issued in relation to ergonomic aspects, such as keyboard and screen heights, seat heights and leg-room. Guidelines will also be issued in relation to suitable work rest breaks as well as preplacement and annual vision testing.