Where problems do occur, they are generally caused by the way in which VDUs are being used, rather than the VDUs themselves. So problems can be avoided by good workplace and job design, and by the way you use your VDU and workstation. Some users may get aches and pains in their hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back, especially after long periods of uninterrupted VDU work. A better medical name for this whole group of conditions is upper limb disorders. Usually these disorders do not last, but in a few cases they may become persistent or even disabling.
Prevention is easiest if action is taken early, before the problem has become serious.
For more about how to avoid trouble, see Making adjustments to suit your needs . People who use a VDU sometimes complain of stress, but this usually arises from increased pace of work or pressure to meet deadlines, not the VDU itself. Some VDU workers find stress reduced because the VDU makes their job easier or more interesting, but for others stress becomes worse. This can happen when a system does not work well or when the user does not feel in control or competent to operate it. Employers can help overcome stress by providing the right training, and by designing systems and tasks to match the abilities of the people who work with them.