Laptop health and safety advice
Musculoskeletal injuries to the neck, back and arms are the most common forms of injury in the UK. With the correct equipment and working styles these risks can be controlled.
You need to consider two main points. How long are you using a laptop at a time? Can you make adjustments to where you are using the laptop or minimise its use?
The following advice will help you reduce the health risks associated with using a laptop.
- Only use laptops for short periods of time (up to an hour, unless using with peripherals such as a separate mouse, keyboard or laptop raiser).
- Take frequent breaks and vary the work activity, where possible by physically changing position.
- Perform stretch exercises on an hourly basis to reduce muscle strain and increase circulation.
- Whenever possible, ensure the laptop is set up as a normal workstation, by using a laptop raiser, separate keyboard and mouse.
- Ensure that your forearms are roughly horizontal and supported when using the keyboard. Work with your wrists in a neutral position when typing. Keep your hands as relaxed as possible.
- Ensure that your screen is at the correct height, so you can look at the screen without bending your neck forward excessively.
- Limit the use of the laptop if you do not have a separate mouse, as excessive use of the trackball or glide pad may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
- Ensure you locate the laptop to avoid glare from windows or lights.
- Regularly clean your screen and ensure screen controls are adjusted to suit the user.
- When transporting your laptop, try to minimise and ensure even distribution of the weight, using a rucksack or a wheeled trolley.
Next: OU computer use
