A videoterminalist is defined (sccording to the article n. 173 of Legislative Decree. 81/08) the worker who performs his or her job using video terminals (alphanumeric and graphic screens) from 20 hours and up per week.

Today, the use of the PC (notebook, tablet and any other device equipped with a video monitor) is now widespread, both in the home and at work, and prolonged use of such devices can lead to serious problems.

Let’s find out together the risks to which video screeners are exposed and their protection.

The video terminal worker and the risks to which he or she is exposed

The major risks to which a video screen operator is exposed are visual, postural or psychological.

Let’s look at them together individually.

The visual hazards of the video terminal worker

Visual hazards affect the ocular health of the visual display worker and can damage the normal functioning of the visual apparatus.

Disturbances usually occur in cases where the screens used, for example, have poor brightness, contrast or other criteria. Disorders may appear in the form of:

  • burning;
  • redness,
  • heaviness;
  • Eye tension;
  • Focus deficit;
  • blurred vision.

Thus, the proper use of the monitor, related to lighting, for example, can reduce or even eliminate the risks to which a worker is exposed.

The postural hazards of the video screen operator

Postural hazards can confer on the video screen operator disorders related to to the musculoskeletal system..

The worker is exposed to this type of risk when, for example:

– the work chair used has inappropriate features;

– the size of the work surface is not entirely comfortable;

– there is an absence of work tools that can facilitate the use of the video display unit.

The psychological risks of the video screen operator

Psychological hazards can affect the video terminal worker when, for example, there is a slow response to input, working with a screen that is too small, the organization of work itself.

The disorders the worker may experience are:

– state of anxiety;

– irritability;

– nervousness;

– demoralization;

– altered mood.

These disorders are related to the risk of work-related stress.

The video screener’s break

The video screen operator, according to the Supreme Court, has a 15-minute break from using the video screen for every 2 hours of continuous work precisely to avoid future injuries and damages. However, the employer may have these mandatory break minutes substituted in a different activity from that of screen use.

The videoterminalist and his protection

The protection of the video terminal worker consists of the employer’s obligation to carefully analyze his or her workstation by considering the risks he or she might incur (concerning vision, posture, and physical/mental fatigue) and the ergonomic and hygienic conditions.

In fact, according to D. Lgs. 81/08 the employer is required to comply with specific requirements inherent:

– the screen and keyboard;

– the work plan;

– the chair;

– laptops.

To safeguard the worker’s health the employer is obliged to subject the worker to health surveillance.

Medical examinations focus on a general checkup, vision checkup, and musculoskeletal checkup.

The examinations take place every two years for all workers who are 50 years of age or older and for workers who have been granted eligibility with limitations or prescriptions (temporary or permanent).

Should the competent physician deem it appropriate, he or she may still decide on a different cadence or an additional specialist visit.

In other cases, a medical examination of the worker is conducted every five years.