Data entry is a fundamental task in today's service and information industries, and often it is a first job for high school graduates. 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research findings from 2000 and 2007 support that short, strategically spaced supplementary rest breaks minimize musculoskeletal discomfort and eyestrain among data-entry employees (video display terminal operators) without impairing productivity.
In the original study, NIOSH researchers followed 51 workers for eight weeks. For half of the study, participants had conventional work breaks (two breaks per day, 15 minutes each). For the other 4 weeks of the study, they had the conventional breaks along with four supplemental breaks per day, five minutes each. Discomfort and eyestrain were gauged through responses to questionnaires, and productivity through electronically recorded measures.
Key findings include:
- Participants’ ratings of discomfort and eyestrain were significantly lower with supplemental breaks. The supplementary breaks also attenuated the accumulation of discomfort during work sessions.
- Data-entry speed was significantly faster with supplementary breaks, so that work output was maintained even though 20 minutes of work were replaced by the supplementary breaks over the work day.
- The study also attempted to gauge whether stretching exercises helped to reduce discomfort. No significant differences in discomfort were observed between employees instructed to perform stretching exercises and employees not instructed to perform stretching exercises as part of the study. However, employees in the exercise group skipped the exercises during most of their breaks. Further research on exercise motivation and the effects of exercise is suggested in the NIOSH report.
DuPont has been at the forefront of ergonomics and its application to the workplace since 1987. Our ergonomics experts suggest these specific techniques to avoid eye fatigue:
- Look away from the computer screen and focus on a distant object (20 ft away). You might have to get out of your seat, but focusing on a distant object, such as a tree viewed through a window, can reduce eye strain.
- Remember to blink. When people are working at computers, they can get lost in their concentration and actually forget to blink. Unfortunately, this means their eyes aren’t adequately bathed with tears, and can cause severe irritation. We’ve even seen employees tape a note to their computers that says “Blink”. It works!”
- Close your eyes and place your hands over eyes. It really does make it “darker” for your eyes and helps relieve strain and fatigue. Do this for 30 seconds to a minute, once every two hours.
Don’t be afraid to take a break. “Recovery pauses” are important for your productivity. Strive for two 15 minute breaks – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – plus additional 5 minute breaks every hour.
Over the years, studies have found that if people take shorter, more frequent breaks, they’re actually more productive when they go back to doing their work. As NIOSH has demonstrated, rest breaks can have a double benefit of reducing the risk of occupational injury while helping businesses maintain productivity.
For further information on the study and on other NIOSH research on health and safety issues related to VDTs, call the NIOSH toll-free information number, 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) or visit NIOSH.
