Ergo Tip of the Month

May 2006

Sandalwood Enterprises is a consulting firm that specializes in Ergonomics, Process Optimization, and Information Management. The Ergo Tip of the Month is offered to our customers and friends for the benefit of the Ergonomics community. If you choose not to receive future editions, contact us at ergotip@sandalwood.com

Laptop Ergonomics – Is this an oxymoron?

Laptop computers have provided us with great flexibility to complete our work and keep in touch with the office and home almost anywhere in the world. When used intermittently and for short periods of time, the power of this tool can outweigh its ergonomic limitations. However,

when used as a primary computer for numerous hours per day, can you actually operate your laptop using ergonomically correct postures? The short answer is: no - not by itself.

The laptop is designed with the keyboard and monitor attached. As a result, these tools cannot be adjusted independently to achieve neutral working postures (see September 2005 Ergo Tip of the Month and click on "Sandalwood's Ergo Month Poster" for more information on neutral postures).

In order to operate the laptop keys and touch pad/trackball using neutral arm postures, the monitor is positioned too low. This leads to bending of the neck to look down to view the monitor screen. When the laptop is positioned so the monitor is at the appropriate height, the keyboard is too high to use neutral elbow and wrist postures. With some simple additions to your computing tools however, you can achieve an ergonomic set-up:

  • Use an external keyboard and mouse so you may operate them at approximately elbow level with wrists straight and shoulders relaxed.

  • Raise your laptop so the top of the screen can be viewed at, or slightly below, eye level (you can set it on a book, monitor riser, etc. to raise it appropriately). See diagram below.

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    Another consideration is Traveling with your laptop.

    Your laptop can get heavy when carrying it from place to place. Keep the following tips in mind to reduce the demands placed on your body:

  • Take only what you need to keep your load as light as possible.

  • If you must transport files, binders, etc. carry them in a separate case to balance the load.

  • Use a case with padded straps and/or handles to cushion the load on the shoulders and hands.

  • Switch carrying hand/shoulder frequently to provide rest to the working muscles.

  • Consider a rolling case or backpack style carrier for your laptop and files.

  • Take frequent "mini breaks" during your day.

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    References:
    Computer Workstation Ergonomics. 2000. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/Ergonomics/compergo.htm#Laptop%20Computers,
    Accessed April 28, 2006.

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