Driving & Vehicle Ergonomics Presented by: Ginger Edgecombe Dorsey, Ph. D. Aphis ergonomics Program Manager

Working from your Car

• Common Tasks:
• Report writing.
• General paperwork.
• Mobile phone use.

Ergonomic Risk Factors

• Static and awkward postures.
• Twisting and leaning to one side.
• Leaning forward.
• Slouching.

Report Writing

• Do you write reports from the:
• Passenger seat?
• Driver’s seat?
• Rear seat?
• Report writing involves:
• Laptop use.
• Portable printer use.
• Accessing files (plastic storage tubs or boxes).
• Back seat.
• Floor.
• Accessing equipment bags.
• Passenger floor.
• Behind driver’s seat on rear seat or floor.

Laptop Use

• Move to passenger seat and place laptop on your lap.
• Never sit in the driver’s seat while resting the laptop on the passenger seat and vice versa.
• Store laptop in car trunk.
• Ensures you get out of the car and stretch your legs before using the laptop.
• Change position frequently and take breaks.
• Do not work on your laptop for prolonged periods (i.e., for more than 10-15 minutes at a time).