|
| |
Anderson Ergonomics Consulting Inc. is a Calgary-based full-service Ergonomics consulting company, with over 21 years providing ergonomics expertise in work station assessments, training, and program development.
Our mission is to provide customers with expert, value-added ergonomic services to create safer workplaces, more productive and healthier employees.
Our monthly newsletter provides you with valuable information and tips to help reduce workplace injuries and claims costs while making you feel better at work and home. If you find this informative, .
We welcome your ideas. If you have something you would like us to talk about next or if you'd like to contribute, let us know.
Please visit our website for more information. |
|
|
|
Upcoming Speaking Engagements | |
Shona Anderson will be presenting seminars at the following upcoming events this year:
- Keeping Your Back Healthy at Work and at Play - CSSE Annual Conference, September 18-21st, Whistler BC (presentation on the 21st).
- RSI's: An In-depth Examination - HSCSA Conference, October 24-26th, Calgary, AB
|
|
Laptops are Meant for Laps |
Keep the "Lap" in Laptops |
Are you an occasional laptop user who works on your laptop for short periods of time or are you a full-time user with the laptop as your main computer? Occasional users have fewer risks associated with repetitive strain injuries. Although full-time users have more problems, all users should pay some attention to how they use their laptop.
Laptops are actually meant to be used "in your lap" in an a reclined position. They are not good for using on a desk surface because the computer screen and the keyboard are too close together. This forces you to either keep your elbows at a good height and hunch your neck forward (see picture below) to view the screen or raise your hands to a high position with the screen at eye level.
For Occasional Users - If you can, you should recline to use a laptop in your lap. If this isn't possible, you are better off sacrificing your neck posture, rather than your wrist and arm posture and keep the laptop low, bending your neck foward to use it occasionally. It is always best if you can:
- Recline in a chair or a bed, bring your knees up high (as in the picture below - with a pillow beneath your knees ideally) and place the laptop in your lap on a pillow or books or a stand (like the one shown in picture below)
- Push the screen back to maintain a good viewing angle (you may find that your screen to keyboard angle is up to a 135 degree), and
- Keep the keyboard at elbow level and keep a straight wrist angle.
For Full-Time Users - If you use your laptop at work as your main computer, you should have an external keyboard and mouse. Don't sacrifice the comfort of any part of your body. Instead, Maintain a supported upright posture that is as neutral as possible. It is best if you can:
- Position the laptop on your desk or work surface at the proper height in front of you so that you can see the screen without bending your neck forward. You will likely need to raise it on a stable surface (see Product information on laptop risers below).
- The top of the screen should be level with your seated eye height (unless bifocal lenses are worn).
- Attach an external keyboard and mouse to the laptop (see picture below) and position these so they fall just below your fingers when you are sitting properly and your elbows are bent at 90-degrees. (Depending on the height of the desk you are using, you may need to consider a footrest to support you in a raised position or a keyboard tray to lower the keyboard and mouse.)
For more information on products to help you use your laptop more comfortably, please see Product Review below. |
Product Review: Folding Keyboard and Laptop Risers |
Having an external keyboard that can fold-up and travel with your laptop as well as an external mouse can be of great benefit in helping you maintain neutral arm and wrist positioning. The Matias folding keyboard is one example of a portable keyboard.
If you do not want to rely on books or yellow pages, a laptop riser can assist in raising the monitor to a more appropriate height. There are many different ones on the market. Some are portable for travel.
For product information, search Google for "laptop stands".
|
Featured Stretch: Shoulder and Neck Retractions | |
This stretch is both a stretch and a strengthening exercise. It will improve your upper back posture, increase your neck and upper back comfort and will counteract the forward head posture we often get into bending your neck forward to work on a laptop. You may feel tension and tightness while performing this stretch, but you should not feel pain. If you feel pain, back off the stretch a little until it feels more comfortable. If you have a current injury or feel uncomfortable doing this stretch, please check with your caregiver prior to continuing this exercise.
 
Instructions: Sit or stand up straight, roll both shoulders back and, hold your shoulder blades together while pushing them downard into your back pockets. Then pull your chin backward so your ears are above your shoulders, and you have a double chin. Hold for 30 seconds.
Request a copy of our Stretching Guide for a series of excellent stretches for those who spend a lot of time sitting and/or standing.
|
Product Review: Laptop Cases (Reprinted from our March 2010 Newsletter) |
An ergonomic laptop case is the best solution to avoid fatigue and muscle strain.
With laptops outselling their counterparts, more and more people are toting their computers between the office and home on a daily basis. As a result, laptop cases are no longer simply about getting your mobile gear from one place to another - they are now expected to be a combination of durability, security and comfort.
Ergonomics is an important consideration when you are carrying your computer around. Remember you are carrying a 3-7 lb laptop plus several extras including an extra battery, a power adapter, a cell phone and possibly other gear, such as an external mouse and possibly files. With close to 10 lbs on your shoulder, you may find yourself tired and sore after carrying your laptop for a considerable distance. What's more, improper posture can lead to various injuries.
 When looking for an ergonomic laptop case, backpacks are a good choice if you don't need to take your laptop out very often. Backpack style laptop bags are better for your health than shoulder bags because they distribute the weight evenly on both shoulders, reducing the risk of shoulder pain. Some backpacks will also have waist straps so part of the weight can be transferred to your hips. If you choose to use a backpack laptop bag be sure to look for one with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back for extra comfort.
 If you tend to carry a lot of gear with you or do a lot of traveling with your laptop, you would be wise to use a rolling laptop case with smooth rolling wheels for easier transport. When choosing a rolling laptop bag be sure the mono telescopic handle is long enough for you so that you do not have to bend over to reach it and pull it as you walk. |
|
|
|
|
