NEC Versa Series manual Vary Your Workday, Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors

!Adjust the screen or external monitor's brightness and contrast controls to enhance readability.

!Use a document holder placed close to the screen or external monitor.

!Position whatever you are looking at most of the time (the screen or reference material) directly in front of you to minimize turning your head while you are typing.

!Get regular eye check-ups.

Vary Your Workday

If you use your computer for prolonged periods, follow these instructions.

!Vary your tasks throughout the day.

!Take frequent short breaks that involve walking, standing, and stretching. During these breaks, stretch muscles and joints that were in one position for an extended period of time. Relax muscles and joints that were active.

!Use a timer or reminder software to remind you to take breaks.

!To enhance blood circulation, alter your sitting posture periodically and keep your hands and wrists warm.

Note For more information on workstation setup, see the American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations. ANSI/HFS Standard No. 100-1988. The Human Factors Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, California 90406.

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.

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-5