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They are everywhere! Take notice of the cables around your computer and other equipment. These cables can be quite dangerous if not taped down or secured in a manner that does not make them an obstacle.

Always be aware of the location of cables and power points

Never plug a loose cable into a socket while power is still supplied to the system

Tape down or secure all cables

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Remember to place the keyboard in a position that allows your forearms to be close to horizontal and your wrists to be straight; that is, each hand should be in line with the forearm.

If this causes your elbows to stick out, away from the side of your body, you should re-check the height of the work surface.

Your computer keyboard should be sloping at about five degrees

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The top of your screen monitor should be at eye level and be about 0.7 m away from you.

Set the distance between your eyes and the screen so that you can focus on the screen easily. Usually this will be within an arm's length.

Adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen to a level that is comfortable for you.

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Your desk should be adjusted to ensure your lower arms (elbow to wrist) are parallel to the floor when you sit with your hands resting over the keyboard.
There are two ways to achieve this:
1. If the desk and chair are both adjustable, adjust the chair so your feet are flat on the floor then adjust the desk so your arms are parallel to the floor
2. If only the chair is adjustable, adjust it so your arms are parallel to the floor, then find something your feet can rest firmly on (a wedge of wood or phone book/s will do).

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Maintain a neutral neck posture by placing the top of the screen at about eye level or slightly lower if using bifocal glasses. Use a laptop stand or place your laptop on a stable support surface, such as monitor risers, reams of paper, or phone books so that the screen height can be adjusted.

Attach a regular size, external keyboard and pointing device to the laptop, and place them on an adjustable keyboard tray or desk. They should be positioned at or slightly below elbow height.

Use a docking station whenever possible to more closely resemble a standard desktop workstation where input devices can be attached.

Angle the screen to reduce bending your head forward. Use your eyes instead of your neck to adjust your line of vision.

Reduce glare by positioning the screen at a right angle to windows and away from overhead lighting. Laptop lights that plug into a USB port can be used to provide extra light, if needed.

Clean the screen frequently as dust can make it difficult to read and may increase eyestrain. Be sure to use an appropriate anti-static cleaning material that is safe for laptop computers.

Use a document holder to angle source documents vertically to promote a neutral neck posture.

Take frequent stretch breaks every 30 to 45 minutes.

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PREPARING YOUR LAPTOP FOR OCCASIONAL USE

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PREPARING YOUR LAPTOP FOR OCCASIONAL USE

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Use a chair that supports a comfortable upright or slightly reclined posture. In a reclined position, prop your feet up to maintain a neutral trunk/thigh angle. Be sure to maintain a neutral neck posture. Use a towel roll or inflatable lumbar pillow to provide low back support.

Place the laptop on your lap to help keep your wrists straight while keying. An empty 2-3 inch binder with the wider edge toward you knees will create an angle that will help keep your wrists straight and maximize the height of the screen.

Don’t place your laptop on top of a pillow or other soft material. The lack of circulation could shut down the fan, which can overheat the computer.

Use a document holder to position documents vertically.

Stand up and stretch frequently.

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Lighten your load by purchasing a lightweight laptop. Reduce the weight in your carrying case by removing unnecessary items, such as drivers, battery packs and cables.

Carry your laptop in a wheeled case or a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a sturdy hip belt. If this doesn’t appeal to you, switch hands or shoulders frequently when using a carrying case with a handle or shoulder strap.

When carrying files, binders, and additional items, consider putting them in a separate case to balance the load.

Eliminate the need to carry your laptop by using portable media storage (memory stick, flash cards) or by using a virtual portal.

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Use an adjustable chair, keyboard tray, or desk/table to achieve the "neutral position" of a straight hand: wrist: forearm
Keep upper and lower arms at a 90 degree angle to each other Position mouse as closely to keyboard as possible to minimize reaching and twisting

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Position monitor, keyboard, and chair in straight line
Top of monitor screen at or slightly below the eye horizon
Comfortable, non-straining distance to read monitor (typically 15-30 inches) Adjust brightness, contrast, and colour to comfortable levels
Avoid glare by positioning away from windows and direct lights
Keep written work materials propped up near monitor screen

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SOME WAYS TO STAY COMFORTABLE AT A COMPUTER

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SOME WAYS TO STAY COMFORTABLE AT A COMPUTER

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• Support your feet and lower back
• Lower your shoulders
• Relax your arms
• Level your elbows with the keyboard
• Straighten your hands and wrists
• Bend your neck slightly
• Level your eyes with text on the monitor

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You may not be able to do:
1. Put your feet on the floor
2. Reach the keyboard
3. Look straight ahead at the monitor
4. Reach the mouse
5. Keep your hands and wrists level

TO KEEP YOUR FEET FLAT
• Put one or two old phone books under your feet so your feet are flat on top of them

TO REACH THE KEYBOARD TO KEEP THE MONITOR AT EYE LEVEL
• A higher chair is best
• Sitting on a book and supporting your feet can work well, too

TO REACH THE MOUSE
• Keep the mouse right in front of you if you don’t need the keyboard for the software you are using.

TO KEEP YOUR WRISTS LEVEL
• Buy a wrist rest or make your own wrist rest from a folded towel or jacket