H and L Office Furniture on laptop ergonomics
In today's hectic work environment, a portable office is just as common as the high rise office buildings of Sydney. Many companies have made the investment to offer certain employees a mobile office workstation, by issuing them a laptop computer. While they may not have a physical office desk to sit at while working, that does not mean they are not still susceptible to the same types of injuries as their stationary counterparts.
Some ergonomic tips by H and L Office Furniture for using laptop computer:
Use the office posture out of the office: This means sitting up straight in a chair with good back support. Try to have the arms just above the top of the table. This should keep the arms at a 90 degree angle at the elbow while typing.
Figure out the mouse or tracking device: The tracking device that is usually on a laptop differs quite a bit from what is used on the office computer. Take a few moments to get used to this device, and watch how the arm and hand move to use it and try to keep the arm steady.
A laptop does not come with an armrest. Many try to use the edge of the computer as a rest of sorts, but this puts the pressure on the wrists.
Travelling without an office desk: The table may not be appropriate in a makeshift workstation in a hotel or other location. If a table is too high and forces the arms into a peculiar position, try using another option like some pool towels or a hotel pillow on the chair to boost seated height enough to make the position more ergonomically correct. Some hotels offer computer desks to be used.
There is no monitor adjustment on the laptop. Try to look down at the monitor with as little stress on the neck as possible, by tucking in the chin to see instead of bending the head over.
Laptop computer keyboards are quite different than those at the office workstation. A regular keyboard can be plugged into the laptop as a good solution. If not, these laptop keys are more sensitive so they do not need much pressure.
Computers are not light. With a few exceptions, laptop have a bit of weight to them. Once it is put in a carrying bag with the cords and computer extras, it adds up. Do not force the wrist and arm to hold all that weight, make sure the computer bag has a shoulder strap and lets the whole body support the extra weight.
10-Apr-2007