It was recently recommended by the Ergonomics Society that parents include a safe usage pamphlet authored by ergonomist Rachel Benedyk into their sons or daughters lap top case as they make their way to their respective colleges and universities. In addition,  the Society is mailing out posters to institutions of higher learning to inform students of the damage that can be caused to the neck by the use of lap tops.
 
Rachel and her team  carried out research at the University College of London (UCL). Results of that study indicated that 57% of those who responded to their survey had experienced aches and pains as a result of laptop use, of which 7% experienced pain a lot of the time. According to Rachel, "An overwhelming majority were unaware of ergonomic guidance on using laptops."
 
The study included some 649 students or varying nationalities who completed a set of survey questions. Of that number, 46% were male, 54% female, 41% were undergraduates, 21% postgraduates and 38% research postgraduates. A total of  166 teaching staff responded to a separate on-line survey. The Stephen Pheasant Memorial Fund provided the funding for the study. Among the findings of the study were that the most prevalent aches and pains were in the neck (21%), shoulders (21%), wrists (16%), back (15%) and eyes (11%).
 
The limited use of laptops was recommended by the UK's Display Screen Equipment Relations, because of their design which imposes postural strain, heat emissions and high visual load. All of this was made worse due to the fact that people often use them in inappropriate ways. One example is students using them on their laps while on the floor.  The study also found that 42% of the students use this method while (29%) use their laptops in bed and (13%) on the floor.
 
More and more students are bringing their own laptops to school. Most of these students use their laptops an average of 5 1/2 hours a day. Rachel found that this was an extensive length of time in considering risk assessment. Another issue was simply carrying the laptop around. Some 67% of the respondents complained of its weight. The study also found that fear of crime in 49% of those who responded resulted in a more ergonomic outcome. Some 21% of the students carried their laptops in their backpacks to conceal them. Doing so distributes the weight more evenly than a bag carried over the shoulder.

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