A-12 Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
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,
metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes),
connective tissue disorders (e.g., arthritis), prior trauma (to
the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back), 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 physician if you experience pain, tenderness,
swelling, burning, cramping, 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?
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