Musculoskeletal disorders and the Growth of Portable Computers in Business.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.1 million people a year. They include problems such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.

The most up to date figures show that MSDs cost society  £5.7 billion. Whilst most MSDs are the result of manual handling tasks are growing number of cases are due to the growth in technology and the use of computers in everyday work situations. With a growing mobile workforce and employees working from home more and more businesses are providing laptop computers rather than permanently positioned desktop PC.s because of their convenience and flexibility.

However, laptop and other types of portable computers tend to have smaller keys and screens than full size display screen equipment (DSE) and as a result, they encourage poor posture and tend to be less comfortable to use for long periods of time. Consequently, the prolonged use of laptop or other types of portable computers can lead to the development of MSDs, more commonly referred to as RSI.

Whilst many symptoms of pain and discomfort are short lived with adequate rest some conditions, such as carpel tunnel syndrome or peritendinitis can develop and, require time off work, more specific and prolonged treatment and even surgery. Some employees are more susceptible than others and the onset of problems can be affected by other factors such as early stages of age related arthritis in the finger, wrist and shoulder joints or even conditions such as the menopause.

Whilst most employers are aware of their duty under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 to conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment of DSE users and their workstations, many overlook the use of laptop computers. However, this should not be the case. If an employee habitually uses a laptop for periods of an hour or more as part of their normal work and can be identified as a .DSE User. then an assessment must be made and suitable controls put in place.

Because of the portability of laptops and differences in the working environments in which they may be used, assessments can be more involved than with a fixed workstation. Therefore, when looking at the business benefits of providing laptops, the perceived benefits must be weighed against a potential decrease in worker efficiency.

If a laptop is essential for business purposes employers should ensure that it is only used when it is appropriate to do so and for which it was designed i.e. occasional use. Where portable computers are used for extended periods of greater than 1 hours keyboard work at a time, employers should also ensure that a docking station, with a full size monitor and keyboard is provided to reduce the onset of fatigue, muscular pains and spasms. Other considerations include providing users with adequate training and information to ensure that they understand the need to -

• Place the laptop on a firm flat surface and positioned so that the screen is at an adequate height and angled to ensure that reflections and glare are kept to a minimum.
• Use a suitable chair to enable the correct sitting posture to be achieved without the head being noticeably inclined.
• Take short frequent breaks are taken throughout each hour of use.

For further information, advice or assistance on this please contact the Support Line on 08700 200 999.