Article 31
Video Display Terminals
History

Section 1. General

The provisions of this Agreement apply to Video Display Terminals (VDTs) and VDT users.
"Video Display Terminal" refers to a word processor or computer terminal which displays information on a television-like screen (cathode ray tube).

Section 2. Policy

The policy of the Department is to provide safe and healthful workplaces for all DOL employees. In keeping with the policy, the Department acknowledges that there are certain ergonomic and environmental factors that can contribute to the health and comfort of VDT users. These factors involve the proper design of work stations and the education of managers, supervisors, and employees about the ergonomic, job design, and organizational solutions to VDT problems as recommended in various studies published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The Department agrees that employees should be provided information about ergonomic hazards and how to prevent ergonomically-related injuries. This information could be provided by Spotlights and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Guidelines and available literature. The Department agrees to provide, to the maximum extent possible, equipment (chairs, tables, workstations, etc.) which meets ergonomic design criteria. It is also agreed that when equipment is purchased, to the extent possible, training should be provided by the vendor on how to safely and properly operate that equipment.

The Department will achieve this policy by:

a. Acquiring VDTs and accessory equipment that, to the maximum practical extent, provide comfort to the user and keyboards, worktables, and chairs that are height-adjustable and provide proper back support;
b. Consulting where practical with employees about furniture for use with VDTs prior to purchase;
c. Providing funding for the laying out of workspaces that are properly illuminated to reduce glare and ensure visual comfort to VDT users while providing adequate lighting for traditional clerical tasks;
d. Seeking and acquiring information and technical assistance, as needed, from appropriate resources on methods for most effectively designing VDT work station layouts;
e. Educating employees about the proper and safe operation of VDTs, including the value of interspersing prolonged periods of VDT use with other work tasks requiring less intensive visual concentration. Where there are prolonged periods of VDT use and no other work tasks available, those employees should be given a rest break;
f. Distributing information to all employees on a periodic basis on VDTs and ergonomic furniture and identifying Department resources for more information; and
g. Reviewing the set-up of equipment and furniture for VDT work stations as a regular part of safety and health inspections.

Section 3. VDT Emissions Test

Upon establishment of standards for acceptable radiation emissions of VDTs (cathode ray tubes), Management will conduct periodic tests of terminals for any emissions. Any terminal that tests above standard will be repaired to meet the standard, or it will be removed from service.

Section 4. Non-VDT Work Reassignment Request

Accommodation requests from pregnant employees for reassignment during the pregnancy, or some portion of the pregnancy, will be considered under 5 CFR 339. While there is no conclusive evidence that VDTs cause problems during pregnancy, the Department will in all possible cases, with medical documentation, reassign persons during pregnancy to non-VDT work.

Section 5. Vision Screening

Persons who wish to have vision screening examinations may do so by scheduling an appointment with the Health Unit in the Frances Perkins Building.