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Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment A-5
! 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.