The VDT manual

Historical Significance: Computers (Visual Display Units = VDUs, Visual display Terminal = VDT) entered the office workplace in the early 1970s midst much controversy about their adverse effects on health including eye sight. The controversy persisted for 3 decades. This book was the most influential book on use of computers at work in the early years of the controversy. It covers ergonomic requirements for VDUs and VDU workplaces including lighting, (VDUs had poor ergonomics in the 1970s) and health aspects of working with VDUs. See Cole BL (2003) Do video display units cause visual problems? A bedside story about the processes of public health decision-making. Clin Exp Optom 86, 205 - 220 for a review of the controversy and its resolution. This paper was based on a report by BL Cole to Comcare, the Commonwealth Government work place safety organisation. The report was responsible for resolving the controversy in Australia in 2002.