4VDT Workstation Analysis

The VDT Workstation component incorporates anthropometric (body dimension) data and analysis
algorithms (models) within a graphical representation of a computer workstation. The analysis tool
enables users to:
input key dimensions of personal VDT workstations
input key dimensions of individual operators
adjust each of these key dimensions
observe the ergonomic effects on the operator resulting from specific workstation
configurations
determine the workstation configurations or dimensions that reduce ergonomic strains.

Working with the VDT Workstation Analysis Component

Screen Layout and
Navigation

A sample WORKSTATION ANALYSIS window is shown below. The

control panel at the left of the display guides the data entry task.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Window
The next section, Overview of
Analysis Procedure, contains a
Quick Reference box that provides
a brief, step-by-step procedure for
the analysis. Quick Reference
boxes are also provided at the
back of the Users Guide.

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User's Guide

The Task Representation panel (to the right of the control panel)
contains an illustration that simulates the workers postures specified
in the data entry process. When a data entry produces an improper
posture, the simulation places a red X over the part of the body at
the potential injury point.
Directly below the Task Representation panel is a text box that
identifies the analysis being performed.
Five buttons at the top of the control panel show the five parts of the
VDT workstation that must be addressed.

You may click on any of the five buttons to go directly to that

component of the system, or you may step sequentially through the
process by pressing the Tab/SHIFT+Tab keys to sequence forward
or backward. As you work through the analysis, notice that the
background of the item you are currently working on will change
color to cyan (light blue).

Overview of Analysis
Procedure

Begin an analysis by entering the initial conditions characterizing the

VDT workstation without attempting to "solve" any problems. To
reflect this "initial" condition, the Initial Values button is highlighted (this is the default setting for a New Analysis). To conduct
the analysis, click on the Revised Values button and manipulate the
task conditions to eliminate problems. The "initial" and "revised"
data are recorded and available for you to review at any time (see the
Additional Features section at the end of this chapter).
To produce valid results, you must provide a complete description of
the workstation configuration by addressing all of the data entry
items in each of the five workstation analysis data entry
components. At a minimum, enter each of the variables that are
fixed (i.e., that you are unable to change due to physical constraints).
If a data entry leads to a violation of assumptions underlying the
VDT Workstation analysis, the Assumptions button at the bottom
of the control panel is illuminated with a bright red background.
You may click on the Assumptions button at any time to view the
status of the assumptions.

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4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

There are five basic steps in the VDT Workstation analysis:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Start by opening an existing analysis or defining a new one.

Enter information on the task to be analyzed.
Modify variables to eliminate strains.
Save the analysis.
Generate a report.

These steps are described in detail in the remainder of this chapter.

To expedite an analysis using a minimum of data entry and interaction, refer to the Quick Reference box below.

VDT Workstation
Analysis Quick
Reference
An online version of the VDT
Workstation Analysis Quick
Reference is available through the
Help menu. The window is also
reproduced in Chapter 5 for your
reference.

VDT Workstation Analysis Quick Reference

Use this quick reference to guide your VDT workstation task
analysis with ErgoEASER.
1.

Enter information on each of the five Data Entry control panels:

Human Data Entry control panel
Job Data Entry control panel
Chair Data Entry control panel
Inputs Data Entry control panel
Display Data Entry control panel

2.

Modify variables to eliminate potential strains (Xs):

Click the Revised Values radio button at the top of the
task representation panel.
Click on any X displayed in the task representation panel
to find out the cause of the strain. Make appropriate
changes to eliminate the underlying stressors (Click the
Hints button for suggestions about changes to
implement).

3.

Select Results from the File pull-down menu to generate a report

that documents results.
Shortcut for VDT Workstation Data Entry

1.

Select estimated measures for human operator dimensions.

For other data, specify only FIXED dimensions that cannot be
changed.

2.

In the HINTS window, click the Make Adjustments button.

ErgoEASER will automatically make changes to eliminate strains.

3.

Select Results from the File pull-down menu.

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ErgoEASER

Starting the Analysis

User's Guide

To begin work on a VDT workstation analysis, open the VDT

WORKSTATION ANALYSIS window. You may load previously saved
data for a workstation or start a new workstation analysis and save a
workstation definition on your hard disk for later reference.
To open the VDT WORKSTATION ANALYSIS window:
1.

Select the Window pull-down menu, and click on Analysis

Tools.

2.

Choose the VDT Workstation Analysis menu option. The

VDT WORKSTATION ANALYSIS window will be displayed
showing the initial VDT Workstation Analysis control panel
(below) .

Initial VDT Workstation

Analysis Window

To load data from a previously saved task:

1.

46

Select the File pull-down menu, and click on Open

Analysis. A dialogue window will appear that displays a list
of previously saved tasks in your current directory. If
necessary, change the directory name and locate the file you
wish to load.

4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

2.

Click on OK to dismiss the dialogue window. Data from the

requested file is loaded into the VDT WORKSTATION
ANALYSIS window.

To modify or complete specification of the data, refer to the

following instructions for Entering Task Data.
To begin a new analysis:
Select the File pull-down menu and click on New Analysis.

Entering Task Data

You are not required to use the

Revised Values option. It is only
necessary if you wish to document
changes.
The values of the task variables,
for both the initial and revised
conditions, may be viewed by
selecting the VDT Variables menu
option from the Variables pulldown menu.

To analyze the workstation configuration, you must specify appropriate values for a number of parameters. The VDT Workstation
Analysis control panel leads you through the data entry process.
As you begin, notice the radio buttons, Initial Values and Revised
Values, located at the upper right of the Workstation Representation
panel. The Initial Values button is highlighted to indicate that you
are in the process of specifying Initial Values for the task as
currently configured. Once you have completed specifying the
variables for each of the five parts of the VDT Workstation analysis
(Human, Job, Chair, Inputs, and Display), you may then begin to
correct problems identified by the VDT Workstation Analysis tool.
Before making corrections, click on the Revised Values button so
that both "initial" and "revised" data may be documented.
When you revising the VDT workstation parameters, note that as
you make the entry for an item, its background turns light green.
This color-coding indicates that the data for that item has been
changed from the initial setting.

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

To enter Human data:

1.

Click on the Human button at the top of the control panel.

The Human Data Entry control panel will appear, as shown
below.

2.

Enter the required human dimension data (if different from

the data displayed). You may provide dimensions for a
specific individual, or if you prefer, you may select estimated
dimensions for males or females by size. Required dimensions are popliteal height, elbow rest height, eye height
(sitting), elbow-to-elbow, elbow-to-fingertip, and buttock-topopliteal.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Human Data Entry Control
Panel

The analysis assumes bifocal

glasses are not required. If
bifocals are required, the
Assumptions button will turn red.

You may use the Tab/SHIFT+Tab keys to move forward and background through the data entry process, or you may skip around by
using the mouse.

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4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

To enter Job data:

1.

Click on the Job button at the top of the control panel. The
Job Entry Data control panel will appear, as shown below.

2.

Enter the required data (if different from the data displayed)
for number of days/week, work pace, break length,
breaks/hour, session duration, and task components. Task
components refer to any activities that are performed at the
workstation (check all that apply). Be sure that only those
activities that apply are checked: input variables associated
with the unchecked activities will not be displayed, thereby
reducing the required amount of inputs.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Job Data Entry Control
Panel

The analysis assumes the work

pace is self-controlled. If the
operator has no control over the
work pace, the Assumptions
button will turn red.

You may use the Tab/SHIFT+Tab keys to move forward and

backward through the data entry process, or you may skip around by
using the mouse.

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

To enter Chair data:

1.

Click on the Chair button at the top of the control panel. The
Chair Data Entry control panel will appear, as shown below.

2.

Click on the Yes/No radio buttons to indicate whether or not

a chair is being used. If the analysis is for a standing workstation, select the No button. Also indicate whether or not
the chair has back or arm supports, and if a foot rest is
present. Enter the applicable data (if different from the data
displayed) for back support, seat pan, arm support, and foot
rest.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Chair Data Entry Control
Panel

You may use the Tab/SHIFT+Tab key to move forward and

backward through the data entry process, or you may skip around by
using the mouse.

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4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

To enter Inputs data:

The analysis assumes no twisting
and no sharp edges. If these are
present, the Assumptions button
will turn red.

1.

Click on the Inputs button at the top of the control panel.

The Inputs Data Entry control panel will appear, as shown
below.

2.

Enter the required data (if different from the data displayed)
for keyboard and mouse.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Inputs Data Entry Control
Panel

The keyboard height and distance

should be such that the upper arm
is vertical, lower arm is horizontal,
and wrists are straight.

You may use the Tab/SHIFT+Tab keys to move forward and

backward through the data entry process, or you may skip around by
using the mouse.

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

To enter Display data:

The analysis assumes no twisting,
sufficient light, and no glare. If
these are present, the
Assumptions button will turn red.

1.

Click on the Display button at the top of the control panel.

The Display Data Entry control panel will appear, as shown
below.

2.

Enter the required data (if different from the data displayed)
for the monitor and the document holder.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Display Data Entry Control
Panel

The document holder should be

the same height and horizontal
distance as the monitor to prevent
shift in focal distance, possibly
causing eye fatigue.

You may use the Tab/SHIFT+Tab keys to move forward and

backward through the data entry process, or you may skip around by
using the mouse.

Eliminating
Potential Strains

52

As you enter data for the VDT task, the simulated posture of the
operator is displayed in the Task Representation panel. When a data
entry reflects an improper posture or workstation configuration that
may be hazardous, the simulation responds by placing a red X over
the representation of the body at the potential injury point. After
you have completed the data entry process for all of the systems
(Human, Job, Chair, Inputs, and Display), you may wish to try to
eliminate all of the red Xs. Click on the Revised Values radio
button at the top of the Task Representation panel to start recording
the recommended workstation parameters.

4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

The VDT Workstation Analysis component provides three ways to

determine the elements contributing to potential strains:
1.
2.
3.

examine the red Xs in the Task Representation panel

examine the ASSUMPTIONS window for possible violations
consult the HINTS window.

To learn about potential strains via the Xs:

You may position the Potential
Strains dialogue window wherever
you wish and leave it open while
clicking on the Xs. Each time you
click on a red X, the explanation
for the associated potential strain
is displayed in the dialogue
window.

1.

Click on a red X in Task Representation panel. This will

display specific information about the potential strain
represented by the X, as well as suggestions to eliminate the
underlying stressor.

2.

Click on the Close button to dismiss the Strains dialogue

window.

To learn about assumption violations:

Certain elements of a VDT workstation configuration (e.g., required
twisting of the neck or torso, glare on the monitor) would be
expected to negatively influence the operator under any conditions.
As a result, there are certain limitations and assumptions underlying
the VDT analysis. If any of these limitations or assumptions are
violated, the analysis may not accurately reflect the hazards. If a
data entry produces an assumption violation, the Assumptions
button on the control panel will turn red.
To view a list of assumptions:
1.

2.

Click on the Assumptions button at the lower left corner of

the control panel. The WORKSTATION ASSUMPTIONS window
will be displayed, as shown on the next page. Any assumptions that have been violated will be shown with a red check
mark.
Click on the Close button to dismiss the window.

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

Workstation Assumptions
Window

To obtain hints on how to eliminate the strains:

The Hints button may be consulted for simple solutions and
guidelines to eliminate the potential strains through engineering or
administrative controls. To view the hints:
1.

Click on the Hints button in lower left corner of the control

panel.
The HINTS window is displayed, as shown on the next page,
providing both specific and general suggestions available
within the tabs at the top of the window. The first tab,
labeled How To Fix This VDT Workstation, contains
recommendations for correcting the problems of the users
newly defined workstation configuration. The second tab,
labeled Setting Up A VDT Workstation, displays general
guidelines for setting up any VDT workstation.How To Fix
This VDT Workstation allows for some flexibility in the
type of VDT workstation being analyzed.

2.

54

In How To Fix This VDT Workstation, height and distance

constraints must be specified. Select one height option and
one distance option that best match your situation:

4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

Workstation Analysis Hints

Window

Height :

No Constraints for workstations with easily

adjustable components (this selection offers a solution
with the fewest number of adjustments).
Fixed Foot Rest
Fixed Seat Pan
Fixed Input Device
Fixed Display

Distance:

No Constraints for workstations with easily

adjustable components (this selection offers a solution
with the fewest number of adjustments).
Fixed Back Support
Fixed Input Device
Fixed Display

3.

Read the suggestions and try them out with the simulation.
You may try the changes one at a time, or if you agree with

all
of the suggestions, click the Make Adjustments button to
make all of the changes automatically.

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

4.
Click on the Close button to dismiss the HINTS window.
To begin a new VDT workstation task:
1.

Select the Task pull-down menu and click on New. A dialogue window will appear, requesting that you enter a name
and description for the task.

2.

Type a short task name (eight characters) and a description.

Click on OK to dismiss the dialogue window.

Refer to the instructions for Entering Task Data (above) to complete

the data entry for the new analysis.
To save an analysis:

Generating Reports
You may save reports for later
reference or comparison between
tasks.

1.

Select the File pull-down menu, and click on Save Analysis

As.... A dialogue window will appear that displays your
current directory. If necessary, change the directory
pathname to identify the location in which to save the file
(i.e., to the hard disk or to a disk drive).

2.

Click on OK to dismiss the dialogue window. The analysis

data will be saved with the extension .vdt.

When you have completed an analysis, you may generate a report

summarizing the data and conclusions. The report may be output to
a printer or saved to your hard disk for later use. The report
comprises two parts: a summary and the list of variables.
The summary, which is shown when the report preview is initially
displayed, includes the following:
operator information
space for evaluators comments
summary of analysis.
The evaluator may type into the evaluator comment field below the
evaluators name to record any comments or observations.
The list of variables is identical to that which is displayed (or
printed) from the VDT WORKSTATION ANALYSIS VARIABLES
window (see next section, Additional Features).

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4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

You may toggle back and forth between the report preview of summary or variables data by clicking on the Summary or Variables
radio buttons at the bottom of the REPORT PREVIEW window.
To produce a report:
1.

Select the File pull-down menu, and click on Results. The

REPORT PREVIEW window will be displayed, as shown
below.

2.

You may view each part of the report by clicking the

Summary or Variables radio buttons at the bottom of the
REPORT PREVIEW window.

3.

Select output optionsoutput the Summary, the Variables,

or both, by clicking the Summary or Variables check
boxes.

4.

To print the report, click the Print button.

To output to a file, click the Write to File button.
To dismiss the window without output, click Cancel.

Report Preview Window

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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

Additional Features
Additional features available from the menu bar enable the user to:
view operator information
view the list of task variables and their values
specify either English or metric units of measure
use an onscreen calculator.

Operator Information

You may specify or change information about the operator at any

time. Select the Operator Info option from the File pull-down
menu and enter the information requested in the OPERATOR
INFORMATION dialogue window, as shown below: the name of the
operator, job title, department; and the name of the evaluator.

Operator Information
Window

After you have entered or modified this information, two buttons are
available: Save Changes or Cancel Changes. Click the Save
Changes button to save the information, or click Cancel Changes
to close the OPERATOR INFORMATION dialogue window without
recording the information.

Task Variables

You may view the list of task variables at any time by bringing up
the VDT WORKSTATION ANALYSIS VARIABLES window. The list
indicates the values of all of the variables for the "initial" condition
and for the "revised" condition (in which corrections have been
made to eliminate potential strains). You may change the values
displayed in either condition by clicking on either the Initial Values
or Revised Values button in the main display, and then making
changes by manipulating values in the appropriate control panel.

To view the variables:

58

4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

1.

Select the Variables pull-down menu, and click the VDT

Variables option. The VDT WORKSTATION ANALYSIS
VARIABLES window is displayed, as shown on the next page.
You may print the variable list as a blank form or with the
assigned values for the current task. Simply select the
desired print option in the Print menu.

VDT Workstation Analysis

Variables Window

2.

Changing Units of
Measurement

Click on the Close button to dismiss the VDT WORKSTATION

ANALYSIS VARIABLES window.

You may use either the English units (inches) or the metric units
(centimeters). The unit of measurement may be changed at any
time.
To select the unit of measurement:
1.

Select the Variables pull-down menu and click on Units. A

second menu pops up with two alternative selections:
English or Metric. The current selection is marked with a
check.

2.

Click on either the English or Metric unit option. The menu

closes and the display is updated with the selected unit
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ErgoEASER

User's Guide

values.

Calculator

A calculator is available through the Microsoft Windows operating

system.
To access the calculator:
1.

Select the Window pull-down menu and click on

Calculator. The CALCULATOR window will be displayed.

2.

Click on the control box in the upper left corner and select
Close from the menu to dismiss the CALCULATOR window.

Resources
Human Factors Society (1988). American national standard for
human factors engineering of visual display terminal workstations
(ANSI/HFS 100-1988). Santa Monica, CA: Author.
Kroemer, K. H. E. (1981) Engineering Anthropometry: Designing
the Work Place to Fit the Human. In Proceedings of the Annual
American Institute of Industrial Engineering Conference (119-126).
Norcross, GA: AIIE.

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5Online Help
Three kinds of Online Help are available. General overview information for most screens may be
obtained by selecting the Overview Help option in the Help pull-down menu. More detailed,
context-sensitive help about specific objects displayed on the screen is also available by rightclicking on the object. In addition, a QUICK REFERENCE window is available within the Lifting
Analysis and VDT Workstation analysis components.

Working with Online Help

Overview Help

Overview Help provides general information about the screen or

component currently being used.
To access overview help:
1.

Select the Help pull-down menu.

2.

Select the Overview option. The OVERVIEW HELP window

is displayed.

To dismiss the OVERVIEW HELP window, click on Close. An

example of an Overview help window is shown below.

Overview Help Window

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ErgoEASER

Context-Sensitive Help

User's Guide

Context-sensitive help provides information about an object or area

displayed on the screen.
To access context-sensitive help:
1.

Point to the area in question using the mouse pointer.

2.

Click the right mouse button. The CONTEXT-SENSITIVE HELP

window is displayed, as shown below.

Context-Sensitive Help
Window

Quick Reference Help

A simple, step-by step procedure is provided for the Lifting and

VDT workstation analyses. .
To access Quick Reference help from either lifting or VDT
components:
1.

Select the Help pull-down menu.

2.

Select the Quick Reference option. The QUICK REFERENCE

HELP window is displayed, as shown on the next page.

To dismiss the QUICK REFERENCE HELP window, click on Close.

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4VDT Workstation Analysis Component

Lifting Analysis Quick

Reference Help Window

VDT Workstation Analysis

Quick Reference Help
Window

63