Influence of industry type on the musculoskeletal disorder prevalence of the video display terminal (vdt) users

The use of Video Display Terminal (VDT) is widespread and beneficial for improvement of work quality and productivity. Musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders in the upper extremities and neck among employees working at video display terminal workstations has been a topic in occupational health research for many years. This study has developed a MSD prevalence model suitable for computer workplaces in India. A total of about 600 questionnaires were distributed to the VDT users of production, software and service industries. Out of total 600 questionnaires distributed, 427 were collected with the response rate of 71.16% of the respondents. Out of 427, only 410 samples were found to contain complete information and so were valid for analysis. To check whether the perception level of production, software and service industries regarding MSD causing risk factors, MSD Prevalence level and Job Prevention is different, a hypothesis H1 was framed and tested. One way ANOVA has been conducted and the result clarifies that the perception of production, service and software industries are significantly different regarding the variable Equipment Layout and Assumed Posture. The Management of software industries has to understand the urgent need to take steps towards reducing the MSD prevalence level, since the VDT users of software industries suffers a lot compared to productions and service sectors. The production and service sectors have to accept the need of document holder and foot rest for VDT work.