Hazard Guidelines

Laptop and Notebook Computers

• Overview
• Guidelines
• Contact
• Resources

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Overview

Laptop and notebook computers are often a great convenience and are becoming increasingly common in the office. From an ergonomic perspective, the physical features of laptops and notebooks differ from standard desktop personal computers, and therefore need to be managed effectively, include:

• the smaller keyboard
• the keyboard being a fixed distance from the monitor and the proximity of the integrated keyboard and screen is not recommended for regular use
• a track pad (or other navigational control) may be fixed to the body of the laptop and rely on finger control
• the laptop is designed to be used away from the office and possibly away from an ergonomic chair, desktop and ideal lighting conditions
• lifting and carrying a laptop with one hand using a carry bag places an unequal load on the body, with consequent risks

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Guidelines

For safer laptop and notebook usage, EH&S recommend:

• Using either an external monitor or keyboard allows freedom to adjust one's posture that is not possible with the laptop alone
• Using a standard mouse at all times
• Using an ergonomic chair and, if necessary, a footrest at an optimal setting for you
• Avoiding typing for prolonged periods and taking frequent, short rest breaks
• If the laptop is regularly used both in the office and in "the field", using a desk docking station for the PC in the office
• A backpack-style bag or trolley to carry the laptop

Laptop and notebook personal computers are useful for performing short-term computing tasks when away from the office. Prolonged use of these devices is not advisable.

Ergonomic Laptop Configuration

The following illustrations demonstrate both poor and optimum notebook setups.

1. The first illustration demonstrates one of the most common examples of ergonomically-poor notebook configuration - the notebook has simply been placed on a desk and plugged into a electrical outlet. It is characterised by the following:

   • Neck and/or shoulder strain may result from viewing the screen at an uncomfortable angle
   • Eye strain may also be caused by the eye-screen distance being so short
   • Neither an external mouse nor an external keyboard has been fitted
   • The lack of an external keyboard may cause an uncomfortable typing position for the hands, whilst the missing external mouse means that the operator must rely on the inbuilt trackball (or other pointing device)
   • A non-adjustable chair is used, without the benefit of a footrest (not pictured)
   • Poor telephone positioning - the operator will have to reach a fair distance to place or receive a call

2. The second illustration demonstrates an improved ergonomic configuration due to the following factors:

   • A standard PC keyboard, mouse and monitor have been connected to the laptop, enabling the operator to use the laptop computer as they would a regular desktop computer
   • A monitor stand is used, placing the monitor at the optimum height
   • The operator is seated on an ergonomic chair, with their feet resting on an adjustable footrest
   • The telephone is located within comfortable reaching distance

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Contact

If you require further information regarding the health and safety aspects of computer usage, please refer to the section on Computer Workstation Setup or contact the Environment, Health and Safety Branch on ext 1056.

If technical assistance in connecting a mouse, keyboard or monitor to your notebook computer (for work-related purposes) is needed, the Information Technology Support Centre can provide assistance.

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Resources