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| CURRENT SECTION :: TechZone | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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You’re a “laptop loser” if you use the ubiquitous portable computer on your lap, not because of a productivity loss but because of health risks. The message on leaflets and posters from University College London hopes to alert students about the danger of heavy laptop use leading to bad posture. Six in ten students who regular use laptops moaned of aches and pains, with the overwhelming majority saying they were unaware of any ergonomic guidance. After average use of a laptop, estimated at five hours a day, 20% felt “prevalent” pains in their neck and shoulders, while others had a sore back, wrists or eyes. When they used their laptop, almost half rested it on their lap, nearly a third laid it on a bed, and just over 10% placed it on the floor. Although only among students, the study’s findings have implications for other laptop users working in dynamic environments. “University students use their laptops quite differently from school pupils,” said Dr Rachel Benedyk, an ergonomist at UCL’s Interaction Centre, which led the study. “They want the portability and flexibility of a laptop, but they use them highly intensively in a complex and variable environment. We have shown that this raises ergonomic risks.” The researchers pointed out that under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations, the use of laptops should only be “limited”. This, the regulations say, is because their design “imposes postural strain, heat emissions and high visual load, made worse by the fact that people often use them in inappropriate positions.” Dr Benedyk says laptops should be positioned centrally to the body to avoid straining and glare, and supported by a table at a reasonable height. Users should also ensure their chair gives them good back support and should take frequent breaks. The researchers added: “And despite its name, they should never use a laptop on their lap!” Sep 26, 2007 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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