Safety
Tips for Laptop Computer Use
The ideal “ergonomic” computer workstation consists
of an adjustable desk and chair with separate computer screen, keyboard, and
mouse. Adjustable furniture and separate computer components can be made to “fit”
the needs of the user, rather than the user trying to “fit” the constraints of
the workstation.
The design of laptop computers defies these basic
ergonomic guidelines. Laptop users set up shop on any available surface, often
in cramped spaces—a conference table, airplane tray, hotel bed, their own laps.
Chairs are anything available to sit on from a folding chair to a lobby couch
to a park bench. The computer screen, keyboard, and mouse are all-in-one units
creating a single, fixed design with typically smaller features than in a
standard computer set-up.
Despite the poor ergonomic design of laptop
computers and their “on the go” use, there are some safety guidelines you can
follow to avoid musculoskeletal discomfort and injury:
v Use
a comfortable chair with no arm rests so you can easily move your arms.
v If you’re using
your lap for your work surface, raise the screen height by using a footrest or
placing a pillow under your laptop.
v Keep your elbows
level with or slightly higher than the keyboard with your wrists in a neutral position
(not bent).
v Do not pound the
keys on the keyboard—with laptops, the touch is often lighter and the keyboard bed
is shallow.
v When looking
down at the screen, do not bend your neck and head forward to see. Tuck in your
chin to look down, keeping your head and neck “balanced” over your spine.
v Take frequent,
short rest breaks from the cramped quarters and poor posture inherent with
laptop use.
Finally, a laptop is often heavy so you should avoid
carrying one with a handle. Use a bag with a padded shoulder strap, remove
unnecessary accessories to lighten your load, and switch the laptop bag from shoulder
to shoulder to relieve the weight. Better yet, use a laptop bag with wheels or
a wheeled luggage cart and roll your computer with you!
At Ergonomicworks we know that every individual has
specific needs for their work environment, so the customer service we provide
is 100% focused on you! Allow our team to help you too.
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