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Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial
Factors
Pre-existing conditions that may cause or make some people more
susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders include the following: hereditary
factors, vascular disorders, obesity, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin
B deficiency), endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes), hormonal imbalances,
connective tissue disorders (e.g., arthritis), prior trauma (to the hands,
wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, or legs), prior musculoskeletal
disorders, aging, fluid retention due to pregnancy, poor physical
conditioning and dietary habits, and other conditions.
Psychosocial factors associated with these disorders include: workplace
stress, poor job satisfaction, lack of support by management, and/or lack
of control over one's work.
Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning,
cramping, stiffness, throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/or
numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or legs.
Checking Your Comfort: How Do You
Measure Up?
Use this checklist to see if you are setting up your work environment to fit
your physical needs.
Checking Your Chair
T Do you sit in an upright position with the backrest supporting your
lower back?
T When sitting, are your feet flat on the floor?
T Do you periodically adjust your chair and your posture?
Checking Your Keyboard
T Is your keyboard angled so your wrists are straight when you type?
T Is your keyboard directly in front of you?
T Do you avoid resting your wrists on sharp edges?
T Do you press the keys gently and not bang on them?
A-10 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
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