NEC PowerMate eco warranty Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors, Checking Your Chair

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

Do you sit in an upright position with the backrest supporting your lower back?

When sitting, are your feet flat on the floor?

Do you periodically adjust your chair and your posture?

Checking Your Keyboard

Is your keyboard angled so your wrists are straight when you type?

Is your keyboard directly in front of you?

Do you avoid resting your wrists on sharp edges?

Do you press the keys gently and not bang on them?

Checking Your Mouse

Is your mouse at the same height as the keyboard and next to the keyboard?

Are your wrists straight and your touch light when moving the mouse?

Checking Your Monitor

Did you adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level?

Do you periodically rest your eyes by blinking often or looking away from the screen?

Is your monitor no closer than 12 inches and no farther away than 28 inches from your eyes?

Do you use a document holder placed close to the screen?

Checking You

Is your work area set up to promote a natural and relaxing working position with frequently used work items within close reach?

TDo you take frequent short breaks?

Do you stretch and walk during your breaks?

NEC PowerMate eco Getting Started Guide 19