International Journal of Technical Research and Applications e-ISSN: 2320-8163, www.ijtra.com Volume 2, Issue 4 (July-Aug 2014), PP. 62-66 62 | Page ERGONOMIC DESIGN OF VDT WORKPLACE FOR INDIAN SOFTWARE PROFESSIONALS Shahrukh Ansari, Dr. M I Khan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Integral University Lucknow-226026. Abstract — It is very common to find readymade chairs and tables being used in the workplaces used for Video Display Terminal (VDT) tasks. Various problems have been associated with the use of VDTs, including visual problems, muscle aches and pains, repetitive trauma injuries etc. Visual problems, muscle aches and pains are some of the common complaints reported by VDT operators. When workstations are poorly designed, the result is poor posture because excessive strains are placed on a particular group of muscles, and discomfort level is increased. The objective of this paper is to propose an ergonomically designed a Recommended Chair and Work Surface dimensions for VDT Tasks for Indian Software Professionals appropriate chair and table dimensions with respect to the Indian anthropometric data have been recommended and presented. Key words— Ergonomics, VDT workpace, Visual Problem, anthropometric etc I.INTRODUCTION The word ergonomic has been derived from the Greek word, ergon, meaning work, and nomos, meaning law or usage. The literature suggests that the word “Ergonomics” was first independently used in 1949 by a British Scientist, K.R.H. Murrell [1].During the past one decade, research in ergonomics has led to increased interest in the technology of work and furniture design based on biomechanics of the human body. These researches have been focused on the development of new principles for the design of chairs and desks in the workplace [2].Anthropometry is a research area in ergonomics dealing with the measurement of human body dimensions and certain physical characteristics. Anthropometric data can be used to specify the physical dimensions of workspaces, workstations, and equipment as well as for the product design. Presently, the importance of safety and ergonomics in the design and manufacture of consumer products has grown significantly [3,4]. The latest technology has increased the option to broaden the ergonomic and safety features of certain consumer products. However, it will also pose new risks which are more complicated to manage. Therefore, it is important for the product designer and manufacturer to use anthropometric data and ergonomic knowledge in making decisions during designing of machines, equipments, products and systems strain with care [5]. Visual and musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck and shoulders and arms, back pains, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel sundrome swelling in car. are occupational health concerns for people who work with computers [6].In terms of ergonomics, comfort integrates a sense of well being with health and safety; conversely, discomfort could be related to biomechanical factors involving muscular and skeletal systems[7].Over the last two decades, ergonomics in work environments has gained much attention from researchers. This is because ergonomics had played a very important role in preventing and controlling work-related injuries and illnesses [8].Anthropometry has been considered as the very basic core of ergonomics in an attempt to resolve the dilemma of “fitting people to machines”[9]. II.EXPERIMENTAL A. Measured Dimensions A total of twelve anthropometric dimensions have been measured in the age group of 20-50 years in this study. These are: stature, shoulder breadth, chest depth, sitting height, sitting eye height, sitting shoulder height, popliteal height, sitting knee height, forearm length, sitting elbow height, thigh clearance, and head length as shown in Figure 1. These twelve anthropometrie book are measured because they are directly related to the design of chair and table for VDT users in this study. Four dimensions were collected in the standing position & the remaining eight dimensions were taken remained seated. All anthropometric data collected is based on Indian standards[10]. Figure 1. Twelve Measured Anthropometric Dimensions 1 Stature 7 Popliteal height 2 Shoulder breadth 8 Sitting knee height 3 Chest depth 9 Forearm hand length 4 Sitting height 10 Sitting elbow height 5 Sitting eye height 11 Thigh clearance 6 Sitting shoulder height 12 Head length B. Data Acquisition. In this study, 12 anthropometric dimensions have been recorded. Tables 1 and 2 and figure 1 show the average, standard deviation, 5th percentile and 95th percentile of anthropometric dimensions collected for Indian male & female population. From Table1 and Table2, there are several major differences in terms of the 12 dimension al values. The value for stature, sitting height and sitting eye height are higher for males compared to female Indian subjects. These values are