Ergonomic office furniture ... |
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Ergonomics Creating a Healthy Workstation by Rhonda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group Workstation set up - Laptop positioning Laptops – One of the most visible changes in the workplace prompted by advances in technology is the increased prevalence of laptops in the office environment. More and more employees are using laptops as their primary computer, taking advantage of the power now available in these machines at more affordable prices.
As more workers use laptops as their everyday computers, the risks of injury also go up. At left, the user is shown in a hunched over position (very common for laptop users) which over time will create back, neck and shoulder problems. Contact stress on the forearm adds further to the risk of injury. Use of an adjustable laptop holder with an external keyboard and mouse on an adjustable keyboard tray promotes safe laptop work. At right, the user is shown fully supported in his chair with his arms and wrists in neutral positions and the laptop screen at a proper height and distance. The paradox here: for all of the technological advances built into a laptop, the physical design of the machine is reminiscent of an older era. That is, the computer keyboard is attached to the monitor, which creates several ergonomic issues. When used alone on a desk, the laptop forces users to lean forward, away from the backrest of the chair, often with hunched shoulders, no lower back support, and contact stress on their forearms and wrists. Furthermore, the laptop display is usually too low for most users, which puts additional strain on the neck. An effective way to eliminate this high-risk posture is by placing the laptop in a height adjustable stand, and using it in conjunction with an external keyboard and mouse on an adjustable keyboard tray. These relatively simple changes allow the user to enjoy a more neutral, low-risk posture for the entire body – with a fully supported back; neutral shoulder, neck and wrist positions; and no contact stress – while taking full advantage of the flat panel display and other technological benefits of the laptop.
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