hmm..interesting posted by

HOL Syndrome – is your laptop making you sick? (+ a possible solution)

hols4

Disturbing recent research from the U.K. reports that one in ten people suffer from posture problems while working on the move, with more than 65% of them saying they need to take medication to manage the condition. It seems that our laptops, tablets and mobile phones are causing real problems for our backs.

The research, conducted on behalf of office equipment supplier Fellowes, also points to a disturbing increase in pain among those who have to do much of their work while on the move, and with an increasing number of hot desks being introduced into the workplace (offering only temporary working locations for employees) this could get much worse over time.

hols2

Apparently the problem – dubbed HOLS, for Hunched Over Laptop Syndrome – is worse for those aged between 18 and 24, with two thirds of them claiming to have a problem caused by mobile working. It seems that the health risks of a laptop on your knee is a thing. (NB not to be confused with Texter’s Neck)

General practitioner and health broadcaster, Dr Sarah Jarvis explains that the problem is indeed getting worse, “In many cases this so called ‘HOL’ syndrome is brought on by lack of ergonomic equipment. Job illnesses and ailments associated with poor posture are rising significantly and I am seeing more in my practice year on year.”

hols5

Ergonomics is a growing problem generally in the workplace, and there are even free checklists you can use to make sure you’re not likely to end up a victim. But for now the best advice would seem to be, if you must work while on the move, try and make sure you find a location which lets you type in a more upright position and avoid using your lap as a desk.

roost

Or maybe grab yourself a Roost?

Comments are closed.

comments powered by Disqus

Side Advert

Write For Us

Personnel

Managing Editor:
Nigel Powell

Associate Editor:
Caitlyn Muncy
Associate Editor:
Dan Ferris
Ecological Editor:
Debra Atlas
Technology Editor:
Fritz Effenberger
Asian Editor:
Hu Ping
Reviews Editor:
Kevin Evans

FB Like Box