Laptops and devices

What workers can do

Tablets

• Avoid holding the tablet in your hands for lengthy periods. Tablet devices can be put on a stand or use a cover that has a stand built in. You should not be bending your neck to see the screen.
• Use a separate keyboard if using a tablet device for long periods.
• Change positions, move around, and change postures, the less time spent in the same posture the better.
• Use both hands or use the other hand to give your dominant one a rest.
• Try using many fingers, as you would on a keyboard.
• Don't press hard.
• Stop using the device, take a break for an hour or so, or switch it off.

Laptop

• Use a separate keyboard and a monitor that you can adjust to the right height. With laptops and tablets there is a tendency to put the device on a desk and work, requiring you to bend your neck forward to see the screen.
• Alternatively, if you elevate your laptop to view the screen properly, use an external keyboard and mouse to avoid raising your arms out of the neutral position.

What employers can do

• If tablets and laptops are provided to workers, provide docking ports in the office with and external keyboard, mouse and adjustable height screen.
• If tablet and laptops are used as a work tool, ensure policies and procedures are in place to recommended how they should be used.
• Avoid requiring workers to conduct most of their work on a tablet device.

What workers can do

• If you are regularly experiencing headaches after viewing a screen for long periods, you may need your vision checked by an optometrist.
• Use your glasses, if you need to.
• Try and position your device so there isn’t glare from the sun, lights or other reflective surfaces.
• If possible and it suits you, adjust the settings on your device to larger fonts and better contrasting colours.
• Adjust the ‘ease of access’ options on your device.
• Look away from the screen at intervals.

What employers can do

• If devices are used as a work tool, ensure there are policies and procedures in place for recommended use.
• Discourage the use of tablets to compose large emails for work purposes.
• Avoid the requirement for workers to conduct most of their work on a tablet or smart phone.