HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12171991 - IO.1 l
TO: - BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra
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FROM: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Costa
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December 9, 1991 nty
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DATE: gsTq_couK� v
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL GUIDELINES
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1 . Accept the attached report from the Director of Personnel ' on
the voluntary Video Display Terminal guidelines for private
sector businesses .
2 . Request the Director of Personnel to report to the 1992
Internal Operations Committee as soon as possible,
preferably by February 1, 1992, on the VDT Task Force' s Work
Plan for 1992 and on proposed criteria with which to measure
the effectiveness of the voluntary guidelines and for this
purpose refer this matter to the .1992 Internal Operations
Committee.
3 . Request the Director of Personnel to report to the 1992
Internal Operations Committee again in December, 1992 with a
year-end report on what has been accomplished during 1992 in
relation to the Task Force's Work Plan.
4 . Remove this item as a referral to our Committee.
BACKGROUND:
On January 15, 1991, the Board of Supervisors approved voluntary
guidelines for private sector businesses as they had been
recommended to the Board by the VDT Task Force. The Board
approved a number of other recommendations and asked the Director
of Personnel to report to our Committee in December, 1991 on the
activities of the Task Force and the status of the implementation
of the recommendations which the Board had approved.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE T
SIGNATURE(S): DER SUNNE WRIGHT McPEAK
ACTION OF BOARD ON December 17, 1991 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON HE DATE SHOWN.
CC: County Administrator ATTESTED
Director of Personnel PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
County Counsel SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Health Services Director
Risk Manager L
DEPUTY
M382 (10/88) BY
• I .O. -1
_2_
On December 9, 1991 our Committee met with staff from the
Personnel Department, the County's Risk Manager, staff from Data
Processing, several private sector representatives including
Michael Dunne from the Concord Chamber of Commerce and a
representative from SEIU. Eileen Bitten from the Personnel
Department reviewed the attached report with us .
Our Committee was very pleased with the successful seminar on VDT
Safety which was held in September and by the enthusiastic
support which the County' s efforts are receiving from the private
sector. We noted, however, the difficulty in reaching the small
business person who may be in the most need of educational
information on VDT safety. We have suggested using the Chambers
of Commerce county-wide mixers as an opportunity to distribute
brochures to small businesses. In addition, it was suggested
that the Personnel Department approach the Contra Costa Council
and suggest that the Council make a - booth available to the County
free of charge at the County's annual conference in January as an
additional opportunity to distribute educational materials .
We would like to see the 1992 Internal Operations Committee
review the Task Force' s work plan for the year and also review
and approve the criteria which are being developed for measuring
the effectiveness of the voluntary efforts which are being
undertaken.
• 6,__L
Contra ��� 'Y °F Personnel Department
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Costa _ `s Administration Bldg.
o� 651 Pine Street
COl.�I Int\/ Martinez, California 94553 1292
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DATE: December 5, 1991
TO: Internal Operations Committee
FROM: Harry D. Cisterman, Director of Personnel
SUBJECT: Status of VDT Task Force Activities
In your January 7, 1991 meeting, you requested the Personnel Department to
report to you on the status of activities of the VDT Task Force and on the
implementation of the County's Voluntary VDT guidelines for private sector
employers. This report will provide the status and summary of activities in
these areas.
I. DISTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES AND QUESTIONNAIRE
In an effort to spread the word about Contra Costa County's Voluntary Video
Display Terminal Use Guidelines to the small business community, and to obtain
their feedback with regard to workplace regulations, the VDT Task Force utilized
the newsletters and special mailings of various Chambers of Commerce throughout
the County.
Michael Dunne. Director of Governmental Activities for the Concord Chamber and
small business liaison to the VDT Task Force, coordinated this .communications
effort by distributing copies of the VDT survey to other Chambers for
membership-wide distribution. To keep businesses informed of the progress of
the ordinance and to announce the initial Health Fair and Trade Show, several
articles and one brochure were also sent to the other Chambers for inclusion in
their newsletters.
All told, the survey, informational articles and Health Fair Brochure were sent
to roughly 2,500 to 3,000 small businesses in Contra Costa County. This number
is an approximate however, due to the sizeable overlap between business members
of more than one Chamber of Commerce.
With the assistance. of Carol Bradner of Chevron U.S.A. , the survey results were
collected and summarized. Of the 5,000 questionnaires, 92 or 1.8% were
returned. (Attachment 1)
II. EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR AND TRADE SHOW
A one-day educational seminar was held on "Video Display Terminal : Safety in
the Workplace" on September 23, 1991, at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference
Center. More than 150 employers and employees from throughout the Bay Area
attended the conference; both private and public sector and large and small
businesses were represented.
Internal Operations Committee Page 2 December 5, 1991
County Supervisor Sunne McPeak delivered the keynote address in which she
.informed attendees that the issue of occupational safety in the 90's has moved
to the forefront of concern among employees, employers and legislators. The
closing speech was presented by Frank Ciofallo from. Cal-Osha. Physicians,
physiologists, occupational safety experts and industrial specialists gave
presentations on the latest in safe and effective techniques to be used with
computers and related equipment. During the day, participants were able to
visit more than 30 trade show booths, where vendors displayed the latest in
workstation equipment including, adjustable chairs, glare screens, standing
workstations, movable screens, etc.
Based on feedback from employees, employers, vendors and speakers, the seminar
was a big success. It provided participants with pertinent, useful information
that could easily be implemented in the workplace. Additionally, it brought
even .greater attention to Contra Costa County's innovative approach to the issue
of video display terminal safety. Since the seminar was so valuable and
generated a $1,000 profit, the Task Force is considering the idea of conducting
an annual VDT conference. (Attachment 2)
III. LIBRARY RESOURCE COLLECTION
Currently, the VDT resource collection slated for housing at the Central Library
in Pleasant Hill is under development. Several employers as well as other
organizations concerned with VDT safety and health have been contacted to
solicit donations and information regarding VDT-related materials to include as
part of the collection, along with materials that are normally maintained by the
Library: To date, several of those contacted, including PG&E, IBM, AT&T and the
Labor Occupational Health Group, have provided various types . of materials.
Materials obtained from these sources include manuals on various VDT topics,
training packets which are accompanied by video cassettes, and various
pamphlets, magazine articles and government publications.
As a part of the VDT Task Force Work Plan for 1992, efforts will be made to have
a more complete development of the resource collection and publication of its
existence by the Spring of 1992.
IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF VDT GUIDELINES FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES
The voluntary VDT guidelines approved by the Board in January 1991 are included
in the Administrative Bulletin on the VDT Health and Safety Program which
promulgated on April 17, 1990. Since the promulgation of this Administrative
Bulletin and as was directed by this bulletin, County departments have been
aggressively pursuing measures to achieve VDT safety in the workplace for County
employees.
Much of the effort in this area is reflected in the training on VDT safety
conducted by Risk Management. To date, Risk Management has. provided training to
approximately 1,700 County employees including direct VDT users and supervisors.
Currently, VDT training sessions are scheduled and conducted on a quarterly
basis. Additionally, Risk Management. has been very active in responding to
Internal Operations Committee Page 3 December 5, 1991
departmental requests for VDT workstation evaluations. To conduct the
evaluations which may also. involve the assistance of physicians from Health
Services, a study of the workstation is performed. The study involves
evaluating the current VDT equipment, accessories, furniture and type of work
performed and making recommendations for improvements that will increase health
and safety conditions for employees utilizing VDT equipment.
In addition to efforts of the Risk Management Division and Health Services
Department, the County Purchasing Division reviews departmental VDT equipment
and related requests to ensure that the types of equipment being purchased are
ergonomically appropriate for the type of work being performed and work
environment in which work is being conducted. As necessary, recommendations on
ergonomically appropriate equipment are made to departments, based on the
review.
The activities of these departments in these areas have been beneficial in
increasing the awareness among County departments and employees of the need to
employ and practice VDT safety measures. These activities will be continued
i.nto the coming 1992 year.
During 1991, AFSCME Local 2700 distributed a questionnaire to their members
concerning VDT issues. Jim Hicks of AFSCME has agreed to share the survey
results with the Internal County Committee. He has also agreed to share
information with the private sector Task Force to assist them in their future
planning.
V. FUTURE ACTIVITIES - 1992 VDT TASK FORCE WORK PLAN
Much of the efforts of the VDT Task Force for 1991. were focused on distributing
the Voluntary Guidelines,' publicizing, planning and conducting the VDT Fair and
developing the Library Resource Collection. As a result of these efforts and
accomplishments,. the County has received national recognition as reflected by
the numerous requests for information that we receive and the County's selection
by a New Jersey based consultant commissioned by IBM to. develop a report on
activities being undertaken by employers to address VDT safety in the workplace.
During 1991 several of the initial Task Force members have changed their
employment, therefore one of our first tasks in 1992 will be to identify new
Task Force members to take their place. Once that has been done we will arrange
a meeting for early January to establi.sh a 1992 work plan. Objectives of the
meeting and work plan will include:
1. Continued development and publicizing of the Library Resource Collection.
2. Attempt to develop methods to measure the effectiveness success of the
Voluntary Guidelines.
3. Redistribution of the Voluntary Guidelines.
4. Consideration of a 1992 VDT Fair similar to the 1991 seminar.
HDC/TH:dn
Attachment
ATTACHMENT 1
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
EMPLOYER QUESTIONNAIRE
SURVEY RESULTS
i
1. Does the success of your business depend on the use of VDT equipment?
Yes - 73 (79%)
No - 19 (21%)
2. Do any of your employees work steadily on VDTs for at least four hours per day?.
Yes - 58 (63%)
No - 34 (37%)
3. Do your employees who use VDTs receive training and education about proper use?
Yes - 37 (42%)
No - 52 (58%)
(Note: 3 non-responses)
4. Would you be interested in attending a seminar led by occupational safety experts in
order to learn more about the proper guidelines, techniques, and equipFnent associated
with proper VDT use?
Yes - 54 (59%)
No - 37 (41%)
(Note: 1 non-response)
5. How much time could you devote to a VDT training seminar? (N = 92)
None - 34 (36.96%)
1 Hour - 16 (17.39%)
2 Hours - 24 (26.09%)
1/2 Day 22 (23.91%)
(Note: Some respondents checked more than one "time-category preferred."
Although all responses are numerically listed, percentages are based on the
number of actual respondents rather than responses.)
4
6. Of those interested in attending a VDT seminar, the following time could be.devoted:
(N = 54).
None, - 2 ( 3.70%)
1 Hour - 13 (24.07%)
2 Hours - 21 (38.89%)
1/2 Day - 22 (40.74%)
7. Of those organizations who indicated that their business success"depends on the use of
VDTs, the following offer training and education about proper use: (N 70).
Do provide training - 31 (44%)
Do not provide training - 39 (56%)
(Note: 3 non-responses)
8. The number of, employees for each respondent organization can be categorized as
follows:
1-5 Employees - 39
6-19 Employees - 20
20-49 Employees - 15
50-99 Employees - 4
100+ Employees - 13
9. Survey respondents can be categorized as follows:
Type of Business Number Percent
Education 3 3.3
Legal 2 2.2
Consulting 9 9.9
Technical Services 13 14.3
Financial Services 11 12.1
Contractor 4 4.4
Retail Sales/Service 15 16.5
Manufacturing 4 4.4
Communications 2 2.2
Health Care 9 9.9
Human.Services 13 14.3
Hotel 2 2.2
Real Estate 4 4.4
l
10. The following comments or concerns were expressed during the survey:.
- We have in-house safety experts.
- Is there a fee for the seminar?
- I would be interested in a simple-brief printed piece.
- Person using system is already aware of ergonomics,and VDT usage classes aren't
needed.
- Compile information - send brochures.
- I would prefer a written overview of guidelines.
- Unless specific legislation were to be enacted in Contra Costa County, my
employer would not initiate training on the subject.
- Only 2 of our 20 employees would attend VDT training.
- I think we could achieve.the same results more efficiently with a pamphlet or
booklet.
- I'm very interested in attending a seminar on VDT guidelines. --
- If Concord passes a strict law, we will move our operations somewhere else.
u l
ATTACHMENT 2
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL: SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center
Concord, California
September 23, 1991
PROGRAM
9:00 - 9:30 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION - Walnut Room
Sunne Wright McPeak
Contra Costa County
Board, of Supervisor, District 4
9:30 - 10:30 GENERAL MORNING SESSION - Walnut Room
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY: THE ISSUE OF VDTs
Dr. Andrew Imada, Associate Professor in Safety Science and
Human Factors, University of Southern California, and
independent consultant, will focus on the importance of
implementing worker health and safety measures, with an
emphasis on VDTs and how this will affect overall company
competitiveness in the international arena.
10:30 11:00 BREAK TO VISIT VENDOR EXHIBITS - Atrium
11:00 - 12:00 MORNING BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
EMPLOYEE TRAINING - Cedar Room
James Stout, CSP and Safety Director at Pacific Bell , and
Susan Spencer, founder/owner and primary consultant for
Strategic Ink, specializing in communications consulting for
health and safety firms, will present ideas and
recommendations for establishing a company VDT training
program, either through the use of in-house specialists or
outside consulting firms.
WORK STATION DESIGN - Willow Room
Mary. Krost, a_ Registered Physical and Occupational Therapist
and owner/chief consultant of Mary Krost &Associates Injury
Prevention Seminars, will conduct a hands-on training
session emphasizing the important relationship which exists
between a workstation design which matches or adjusts to the
individual worker's physical capabilities and limitations.
ERGONOMIC ILLNESSES - Evergreen Room
Jim Cone, M.D. , Medical Director of the Occupational Health
Clinic, San Francisco General Hospital and Assistance
Clinical Professor at U.C. San Francisco, will define and
discuss the causations of ergonomic illnesses associated
with VDT usage.
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL: SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
PROGRAM
12:00 - 1:00 LUNCHEON - Atrium
1:00 - 2:00 AFTERNOON BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
EMPLOYEE TRAINING - Cedar Room
James Stout, CSP and Safety. Director at Pacific Bell , and
Susan Spencer, founder/owner and primary consultant for
Strategic Ink; specializing in communications consulting for
health and safety firms, will present ideas and
recommendations for establishing a company VDT training
program, either through the use of in-house specialists or
outside consulting firms.
WORK STATION DESIGN Willow Room
Mary Krost, a Registered Physical and Occupational Therapist
and owner/chief consultant of Mary Krost & Associates Injury
Prevention Seminars, will conduct a hands-on training
session emphasizing the important relationship which exists
between a workstation design which matches or adjusts to. the .
individual worker's physical capabilities and limitations.
RADIATION AND VISION ISSUES - Evergreen Room
Ruth Lowengart, M.D. , Occupational Medicine Physician,
Alta Bates - Herrick Occupational Health Services and
Alan Nakanishi, M.D. U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry and
VDT Vision Clinic, will address the potential health hazards
and the current scientific evidence and debate regarding the
issues of radiation and vision associated with VDT usage.
2:00 - 2:30 BREAK TO VISIT VENDOR EXHIBITS Atrium
2:30 3:30 GENERAL AFTERNOON SESSION - Walnut Room
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE
Frank R. Ciofalo, Ph.D.-, Deputy Chief, Division of
Occupational Safety and Health will present a wrap-up of the
issues and principal concepts that have been covered
throughout the day, along with an overview of where the
current VDT legislation is heading will be analyzed.
3:30 CLOSING REMARKS - Walnut Room
Kathy Hart, Safety Officer, Wells Fargo Bank
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL: SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center
Concord, California
September 23., 1991
PRE-REGISTRATION LISTING
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Aceves, Helen City of Hayward, Office of the City Manager
Adam, Stephen Concord Naval Weapons. Station
Albinus, David Contra Costa Sanitary District
Allen, Bonnie Contra Costa Sanitary District
Almazan, Phillis Stanislaus County
Aguilar, Pam Contra Costa County, Municipal Court
Anderson, Doug Contra Costa County, Purchasing
Anderson, Erin Chevron Research and Technology
Anderson, Joan Chevron Research and Technology
Antonowicz, Denise City of San Jose, Human Resources Department
Avilez, Kathy Contra Costa County, Municipal Court
Bailey, Carl Contra Costa County, Assessor
Baker, Gloria Santa Clara Valley Water District
Baron, Annette Rucker-Fuller
Beck, Debbie Schools Insurance Authority
Beltran, Rosemary City of Milpitas
Bitten, Eileen Contra Costa County, Personnel Department
Boone, Mark. Chevron Corporation
Bottero, Marcia Contra Costa County,' Health Services
Bowe, Jim Union Bank
Bowker, Wayne Bank of America
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Bradford, Susan AT&T
Bradner, Carol Chevron USA
Brubaker, Gail Dublin San Ramon Services District
Bublitz, Nancy Contra Costa County, General Services
Buonassisi ,. Eric Visucom Productions, Inc.
Campbell , Rick City of Sunnyvale
Campbell , Teresa City of Chico, Personnel
Chaffin, Lane Concord Naval Weapons Station
Coats, Cindy El Dorado Irrigation District
Coday, Loyola Contra Costa County, General Services
Cowgill , Anita City of Fremont
Culbreath, Bob Concord Naval Weapons Station
de Gier, Cheryl Santa Clara County, Personnel
Dunne, Michael Concord Chamber of Commerce
Eclips, Norma Concord Naval Weapons Station
Eddy, Doug Lockheed
Eggert, Wayne AT&T
Engle-Ramirez, Jeanette Mt. Diablo Hospital
Fallowfield, Bert Kelly Temporary Services
Federle, Rob City of Livermore
Fogel , Shelley ' AC Transit
Fong, Tammy Contra Costa Sanitary District
Fortier, Dorothy IBEW; Local 1245
Fristoe, Donna AT&T
Garcia, Elizabeth Contra Costa County
Gholston, Pat Crawford/FPE
Gibson, Martha City of San Jose, Human Resources Department
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Greenberg, Andrea City of San Bruno,. Director of Personnel
Gregory, William Central Region School Insurance Group .
Grubb, Dennis Concord Naval Weapons Station
Harritty, JoAnne La Fontana
Harrington, James City of Sunnyvale, Risk and Insurance
Hart, . Kathy Wells Fargo Bank
Harvey, Tonza Contra Costa County, Personnel Department
Haugen, Kathy Carpet, Linoleum and Soft Tile Workers, Local 1288
Hedges, Joyce Valley Times
Henderson, Stu San Joaquin County, Personnel
Heskett, Ron CSAC Excess Insurance Authority
Hobbs, David City of Pittsburg
Holm, -Betty Bank of.America
Hunting, Gayle Chevron Research and Technology
Hutcheson, Ann Tri-Delta Transit
Ilten, Leah. Vacavalley Rehab
Ingram-Rankin, Yvonne City of Fremont
Jernigan, Alice State Fund
Jones, O'Rianne City of Sunnyvale, Risk and Insurance
Kelly, Susan Wells Fargo Bank, Safety Officer
Keyes, Thrada City of Visalia
King, Darrell Sonoma. County, Safety Officer
Kjosa, Jeanette Central Labor Council
Koff, Gail Personnel Management Consultants
Kouzoujian, Sarkis Ergonomic Health & Safety
Kouzoujian., Van Ergonomic Health. & Safety
La Fleur, Elaine City of Foster City
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Lawrence, Audrey San Francisco _Airport
Lawson, Patricia, City of Napa
Lee, Audrey City of Sacramento
Lehre, Margaret Contra Costa County, Public Works
Lewis, Reginald Concord Naval Weapons Station
Lombardo, Dick Ernst & Young
Long, Christine Institution Finance Services
Lyon, Dana San Diego Housing Commission
Mac Farlane,. Linda Contra Costa County, Superior Court
Majal.ca, Mary AFSCME', Local 512
Martin, Robin Chevron
McCoy, Miriam Contra Costa County, Social Service
McHale, Ted Contra Costa County, Risk Management
McHenry, Claudia AFSCME
Medeiros, Patsey City of Novato
Minnick, Charlene City of Livermore'
Montague, Dee Lockheed
Montejano, Sally City of Visalia
Monteressi , Chris Chevron Corporation
Moss, Larry Contra Costa County, Risk Management
Munns, Mike Chevron USA
Murfin, Barbara Contra Costa County, Social Service
Muscio, Nancy Contra Costa County, Social Service
Nakagawa, Gail Supra Computers
Naramore, Sharon Contra Costa County, Library
Narcisse, Kirby Contra Costa Sanitary District
Nejedlo, Debbie Contra Costa County, Personnel Department
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Nielsen, Christopher. Concord Naval Weapons Station
Palmer Doris City of Foster City .
Pearman, Mari Santa Clara County Occupational Safety & Health
Peery, David AC Transit
Pelletreau, Barbara John Muir Medical Center
Pendt, Karen City of Concord
Petitdemange, LeeAnn Contra Costa County, Health Services
Philbin, Linda Contra Costa County, Superior Court
Potts, Cathy Santa Cruz County, Office of Education
Powell , Mary 'Santa Cruz County, Office of Education
Prakash, Sam AT&T
Price, Mike Contra- Costa County.- Fire Fighters, IAFF, Local 1230
Prouty, Eleanor SEIU, Local 790
Quejada, Desie Aetna Live & Casualty
Rigler-Udo, Sara Public Utilities Commission, City/County San Francisco
Ruckelshaus, Catherine Employment Law Center
Rundall , Chickie City of Antioch
Schmuck, Paul Hewlett-Packard
Seeman, Sonia City of Novato
Shook, William Stockton Unified School District
Siegel , Richard Siegel & Associates
Spady, Linda City of San- Mateo
Steffensen, Anna Sonoma County Water Agency
Steptore, Katrina City of Hayward
Stout, Laurie Contra Costa County, Dept of Agriculture
Sullivan, Carolyn City of Union City
Summers, Marcia Anne Matrix Stress Management
F° ,
NAME COMPANY / AGENCY
Taper, Barbara City of Milpitas
Torres, Al- Chevron Research and Technology
roves, Lisa City of Milpitas
Trevorrow, Shirley Wells Fargo Bank
Utt, Jennifer Contra Costa County, Assessor
Uyeno, Dennis San Jose Mercury News
Vamis, Andrew. Recreation Center for the Handicapped, Inc.
Vega, Yolanda BART
Verbanec, Nancy Hewlett-Packard Labs
Westbrook, Sunny Contra Costa County, Assessor
Williams, Betty City of Livermore
Williams, Christie Santa Clara Valley Water District
Wilson, Carol Alameda County Housing Authority
Withers, John Visucom Productions, Inc.
Yeh, Anna City of Union City
Zachary, Kate Disability Reporters
Zoellner, Dan Mt. Diablo Hospital