TO DO: Go through the following LAPTOP GUIDE that begins on the next page and

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1 Ergonomic Tips for Laptop Use The Unique Ins and Outs While laptops allow people the freedom to work and communicate anytime from anywhere all over the world at depths and heights above the horizon, they also can pose unique ergonomic challenges. These challenges are present whether users operate IN the office or OUT -side the office. As with guidance provided throughout this program, there are a number of things that laptop users can do to address ergonomic challenges posed by laptops. The guidance is intended to help laptop users maximize their efficiency and comfort when using laptops whether inside or outside the office environment. Because many ergonomic practices previously discussed in this program for office desktop users also apply for laptop users, this section only covers those practices that are unique to the laptop. When you review the laptop guidance offered here, then, keep in mind that for topics not mentioned here (such as keying technique, distance from laptop, height of laptop, etc), you can return to other sections of this program for guidance. TO DO: Go through the following LAPTOP GUIDE that begins on the next page and 1. Assess your current use and behaviors when using the laptop. 2. Make adjustments to help minimize ergonomically-related discomfort.

2 Page 2 YOUR LAPTOP IN THE OFFICE Q: What are some considerations for making my laptop use in the office more comfortable? EQUIPMENT FEATURES Your Keyboard Laptop keyboards generally are smaller than desk top computer keyboards. Because of this, your hands and fingers may need a period of adjustment to get used to moving across a smaller, condensed surface. Use the same keying techniques discussed earlier. Determine if your laptop keyboard has special key sequences (isolated cursor control, function keys, and hot keys). These usually can reduce keying and provide shortcuts to using your input device. If you can, take short breaks to relax your wrists, hands, fingers, and arms. This can be beneficial when keying on small laptop keyboards. Ask your management if your company has a program in which it can make available the use of external keyboards which you can connect to your laptop. Your Monitor Manufacturers have come a long way in designing laptop monitors so that they are reasonably sized. If you have an older model, however, you may find the monitor has a small viewing space. Despite the size of your monitor, follow the adjustment guidance as provided under any vision or monitor/display information provided by the manufacturer. You also could ask your management if your company has a program in which it can make available the use of an external monitor which you can connect to your laptop. Your Input Device Many laptop computers make use of a small button centrally located on the laptop to serve as the input or mouse device. Use your whole hand and arm when moving this device with your finger. Do not tensely hold your fingers and thumb nor squeeze them together when keying or using the input device. Ask your management if your company has a program in which it can make available the use of an external mouse which you can connect to your laptop.

3 Page 3 YOUR LAPTOP OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: TRAVELING Q: What are some considerations for making my laptop use outside the office more comfortable? TRAVELING Whether in a plane, a car or a train, trying to make use of your laptop while traveling and/or in a hotel/motel, presents some unique ergonomic challenges. If your laptop does not make use of a company network and automatic network backup features (that is, it is a stand-alone piece of equipment), experts suggest you make a full backup of your hard drive before you travel. This should help limit your data loss should your laptop be damaged or stolen. In a car. A car does not afford optimal body positioning for keying your laptop. It is generally a good idea to wait until you are indoors to accommodate your need for a comfortable working environment. If you need to document something while on the road, a dictating machine could be used first and then transcribe later when you are in a more comfortable environment. If it is absolutely necessary to use your laptop while on the road, park your vehicle in a safe place first before using your laptop. Driving and keying don t mix! Once you are parked, move to the passenger seat. This will give you more leg room and room to key and position your body. If you have a brief case, place it under your laptop. When you key, do not twist or rotate your body, as this will cause stress and strain on your vertebrae. Face your laptop so your body is as parallel as possible to the laptop monitor and keyboard. Try to maintain a reasonable distance between your visual distance and the monitor. Keep your hands, wrists, and arms as neutral as possible. Keep keying while in your vehicle to a minimum. On a plane. If a dropdown table is available, set your laptop on it so it is at a comfortable viewing distance.

4 Page 4 YOUR LAPTOP OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: HOTELING Q: What are some considerations for making my laptop use outside the office more comfortable? HOTELING OUT OF THE OFFICE SETTING Many hotels offer desk arrangements or business center accommodations to business laptop travelers. When you make reservations, ask the hotel what kinds of accommodations are available, as well as if the arrangement includes any additional charge or special procedure. Special business centers at hotels generally have a surcharge reservation time. Many hotels can make in-room desk accommodations. There are a few considerations to keep in mind to help maximize your ergonomic comfort when at a hotel/motel. These include: Your chair. If you are in a hotel or motel that does not have an adjustable chair or work surface and you need height to work on the work surface comfortably, place books, pillows, or towels on your chair seat to adjust the chair height to your work surface/table. If your feet, as a result, are not resting flat on the floor, find additional books (ask for additional telephone books) to use as a footrest. If you do this, slip some newspaper over the books first so they remain clean and unmarked. If the chair does not have proper back support, you can roll a towel and slip it behind the lumbar region of your lower back. If the seat pan is not comfortable, you also can pad that with towels or pillows, but make sure the added height is appropriate for your work surface height. Your work surface. If the work surface is too low for your seated position, then place the books under your laptop to raise the laptop. Make sure the laptop is firmly set on the books. If there is no table in your room, but there is a nightstand with a drawer, you can pull the drawer open and use books inside the drawer to achieve a proper laptop height for use.

5 Page 5 For more information, visit our Web site at travelers.com/riskcontrol, contact your Risk Control consultant or Ask-Risk-Control@travelers.com The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates One Tower Square Hartford, CT travelers.com The information provided in this document is intended for use as a guideline and is not intended as, nor does it constitute, legal or professional advice. Travelers does not warrant that adherence to, or compliance with, any recommendations, best practices, checklists, or guidelines will result in a particular outcome. In no event will Travelers or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates be liable in tort or in contract to anyone who has access to or uses this information. Travelers does not warrant that the information in this document constitutes a complete and finite list of each and every item or procedure related to the topics or issues referenced herein. Furthermore, federal, state or local laws, regulations, standards or codes may change from time to time and the reader should always refer to the most current requirements. This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Doc#: 123