Overview
Just like laptops, tablets and smartphones are designed for portability – not for extended use. Because there is only one surface, this automatically places your head and arms in more extreme postures during use. This can increase your risk of fatigue, discomfort, and injury.
To reduce risk to the neck and shoulders, the screen needs to be elevated to eye level. The larger the tablet or phone, the easier it is to see, but the heavier it can be. This can strain your arms when you hold it and when you use.
Bending your head forward 45⁰ or 60⁰ is the equivalent of holding a 50 or 60lb weight in front of your spine.
Holding your phone at eye level with your head upright, is like holding a 10-12lb weight.
These postures can lead to fatigue and discomfort if held for too long.
Follow these best practices:
Positioning
- Raise the tablet to eye level to reduce neck flexion
- Place the tablet on a table or use a stand to elevate and angle it slightly
- Avoid keeping the tablet on your lap
- Keep your hands, wrists, arms, in straight, relaxed postures
- Avoid resting on hard edges
- Use good back support when sitting and avoid reaching
- Consider a case with a handle or strap
Safe data entry
- Use built-in speech recognition and accessibility features
- Use noise-canceling headphones, if needed
- Use a pen to reduce reaching and offload strain on your fingers and wrist
- Use an external mouse and keyboard for data entry. Consider Bluetooth or use an adapter/hub for USB devices
Exposure
- Limit use
- Use a desktop computer whenever possible, especially for longer reports
- Take frequent breaks
Injury prevention
- Take ergonomics training- complete the module on tablets
- Work with your supervisor to make sure you can work safely
- Carry the tablet and input devices in a well-fitting backpack or rolling bag