To office laptop users

[Zatoichi.uK]

Hello there, I just wondered if there any of you lot that use laptops in the office?

I ask as I officially work from home but do come in to the office occasionally. I've had quite a few problems with my neck and back lately to the point where I'm seeing an osteopath. I'm sure the fact that I do a fair bit of driving doesn't help, along with using a laptop without any kind of stand/docking station. (so I'm always looking down at the screen)

I asked our HR manager if they could supply a laptop stand for me to which they replied, 'Just use a yellow pages'. I don't want to be a hard arse about it but am a bit narked about a flippant remark to what I consider a problem.

Does anyone know where I stand with this kind of this at all? I'm not talking about sueing or anything like that, just that a persons health shouldn't be impacted from a job they do.

Ta

:)

[Nivek]

All the users of laptops in my office have a laptop docking station with "normal" monitor, keyboard and mouse attached

[Rich]

Your employeer is responsable for your healthy and saftey in the workplace, demand a monitor stand or external display. If not let the injurys build up then sue them for huge amounts and retire early!

[WhiteKnight]

If you are using the integrated keyboard for any length of time, dont.

Use a normal one... or even better an ergonomic one.

Also, make sure the screen is at a decen height, either through "yellow pages" or a proper laptop stand.

somthing like this would be a decent compromise.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/GB/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=12343

[-Sp-]

I think you should be able to make any resonable request as far as erganomics goes, I know there's some kind of law that says you must be provided with a chair that adjusts and moves on wheels not sure how far it goes with regards to external monitors etc.

At teh very least get your self a nice external keyboad and mouse and prop your laptop up on a couple of reams of paper from the photo copier. so the top of the screen is just below eye level.

I'm sur if you google you'll find list of stuff your are supposted to do / not do posture wise.

[Zenith]

Here are some of the laws to back you up when you DEMAND your RIGHTS under these laws...

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety &Welfare) Regulations 1992
The Reporting of Injuries and Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
The Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 attempts to address the adverse health risks to VDU users and require that companies comply as follows:

* All VDU user workstations must meet the minimum requirements of the Regulations and BS/EU Regulations
* All VDU user workstations are assessed in order to reduce the risks of the potential adverse health effects
* The user's work routine allows breaks or changes of activity. Eye tests and remedial spectacles are provided, where prescribed, for users
* VDU users are provided with adequate information and training on the adverse health effects and how to avoid them.

The Regulations require that VDU users are provided with eye tests and, where prescribed, remedial spectacles at no cost to themselves. To be a VDU user, the operator must use a VDU as an integral part of their job. (Some persons may not therefore qualify even if they have a PC on their desk.)

VDU users are entitled to a free eye test:

1. When taking up employment
2. Every two years as an existing user
3. If you experience visual difficulties which could be caused by work on a VDU

The employer has a duty to inform you of your rights under the Regulations. The eye test will determine whether you need spectacles solely for VDU work - in which case the company must comply and provide remedial spectacles. However, most firms will only pay for basic spectacles or up to a fixed limit.

I'd say go and read up some of the background to those laws and then go back to your HR droid and lay the smack down. :)
Put simply, you are eligible to an eye-test at the company's expense and single vision glasses to help correct an eye problem that could cause you problems working with a screen.
You are within your rights under health and safety law to ask for a chair that provides good back support and is adjustable in height.
You are within your rights under health and safety law to ask for items that help reduce RSI such as screen glare filters, foot rests and keyboard/mouse wrist rests. Think on it this way... a few quid spent now by the company prevents a bigger payout down the road when you have to leave work because of RSI. RSI is now considered an industrial injury and some companies have been made to pay compensation to injured workers.

Take my workstation at home. I have a desk which is a comfortable height and a comfy office chair with good back support, armrests and adjustable height. I have gelpad wrist rests for my keyboard and mouse and my monitor is angled for my eyes and set at a brightness that doesn't cause discomfort.
I *CAN* sit at this computer for 4-5 hours and not suffer in any way because I applied business practices to my personal space. I would expect any company that I work for to have similar policies in place.

[Zatoichi.uK]

Great thanks all! There's some useful stuff in there. I'll pre-arm myself with what I need and try and sort a few bits out.

Thanks all...

:)