Lacey defines a computer workstation to be anything from a dumb computer terminal, through dataless workstations, to the full-blown, highly independent functional workstations of current modern client/server computer workstation networking environments. She has written a self-help book on computer workstation ergonomics for anyone whose work requires the use of computer workstations. Such people could be supervisors, technical systems people, corporate executives, and probably most important, the ordinary but necessary people whose office work is greatly involved with computer workstation interaction. People who design computer workstations, particularly those who test them in the final stages, should read the book and think about what it is telling them. The book gives a reader the opportunity to complete a “CRT-User Wellness Survey,” in order to analyze the problems and needs of CRT users. The book asserts that the major elements of CRT users’ physical problems are:
The book also includes a “Chair Evaluation Form.” Lacey discusses the workstation and visual problems, detailing specific problems, symptoms, and probable causes related to computer workstation work. Her “CRT User’s Guide to Good Visual Health” provides specific solutions to specific visual problems for the workstation worker. She recommends seeking medical help in solving the problems. The workstation user is advised to complete a “Vision Evaluation Form” and take it to the eye doctor for an initial visit and examination before taking any specific action. A section covers the workstation and stress problems, and includes a “CRT User’s Guide to Good Mental Health.” Lacey offers specific solutions to be applied by the workstation worker for these problems. She even includes a “CRT-User Budget Form” to attempt to analyze the problem of managing the relatively low income of many office workstation workers. She describes several simple physical exercises that workers can do to attempt to optimize mental health and comfort in doing computer workstation office work. A “Stress Evaluation Form” can be used as a basis for action.
The book closes with a section on products that could be applied to the problems found by completing the forms, self-evaluations, and surveys in the early part of the book. Lacey states that “No quid pro quo, not by any name--no commissions, no proceeds, no kickbacks, no referrals--has been arranged for mention of the mentioned products, services or publications.”
I made no evaluation of any of the recommended products and services, but many of them seem to be inexpensive and helpful to ordinary workstation users. Many others would be appropriate for supervisors of computer workstation users to be told about. Supervisors could then evaluate and thus improve the computer workstation ergonomics of the workplace or classroom by possible re-engineering of the environment and acquisition of products to improve computer workstation ergonomics.
Lacey makes some informal references to general research results supporting the actions she recommends, but provides no rigorous evidence to support her views or the recommended actions. Nonetheless, much of what is presented is common sense, and the guides to action seem appropriate to almost any computer workstation user who wants to solve the problems he or she experiences. Perhaps researchers could report on the results of actions among test groups who study and implement these ideas.
This little book can be read without too much effort to get ideas about what to do. A computer workstation worker would have to expend much more effort to analyze the problems and work out the solutions. Lacey makes many interesting suggestions that workers could try in order to improve their jobs and work environments, however. The results could be a big payoff to the individuals, as well as the companies and institutions that employ them.
