“How to Achieve an Ergonomic Computer Workstation in Any Setting” Lynn LaSalle, MOT Ergonomist MultiCare Health System

The Places We Will Go To Work on Our Laptop Coffee Shop Car Meetings Home With Mother Nature Bus stop And, what about the other devices used “to stay better connected”.

Do we sacrifice Productivity Accuracy Comfort Safety By working on a desk/table that is too high or low? On a surface that is too far away? Sitting with the torso rotated or scrunched behind the steering wheel?

What are the biggest risks to mobile computer users? Laptop sl”ouch” Packing equipment and materials around How/where it is used….car, outside, lap…. Putting equipment in/out of its storage area….in the car

Thumb Pain Texting with the thumbs can cause a cumulative trauma.

Cell Phone – if you don’t use a headset

Posture Avoid sl”ouch”ing Consider torso and neck position Elbow relationship to torso, and angle. Shoulders and neck; –There are many reasons to stretch

Environment Lighting Chair, sitting surface Work surface Elbow room Length of stay

Options Lapboard to set the laptop on for stability and shoulder and elbow posture. Use ancillary mouse Consider a portable table

Transporting Equipment Wheels, size counts Consider weight of the bag/container when it is empty Handle height/length Compartments for storage

Where will the equipment be stored? Car – behind the seat, in the passenger seat, trunk? In an office or at home – on the floor or closet….

Self Care Know your limits –Continuous work…stretch frequently –Make more than one trip rather then handle too much at one time –Stand, walk, relax Take a deep breath

Questions or Thoughts to Share? Thank you