The Nation - News from June 15, 1988

The first law in the nation to regulate use of computer terminals in the workplace was enacted when the 18-member Suffolk County Legislature on Long Island voted 13 to 5 to override the county executive’s veto. In six months, businesses with more than 20 visual display terminals will have to provide special treatment for workers who spend more than 26 hours a week in front of the computer screens. Under the plan, workers must have 15-minute breaks or a new work assignment after three hours with a VDT and the employer must pay 80% of the cost of annual eye exams and eyeglasses that are needed.