Hi

I have faced the same problem with field based engineers. The company policy is that if they are not classified as DSE users then we don't provide equipment etc (we applied the DSE regs literally) and when I drilled down in to what the engineers were doing it transpired that they were just closing down calls; a job which can be done safely on a laptop sitting in their car. Some of our engineers do use laptops to programme servers, whilst this job may take sometime to complete they admitted that they would do other jobs while the laptop was running (task variation achieved).

If the engineers are using the laptops on a client/customer site lap-packs are available (consisting of a laptop riser, keyboard and mouse) - most ergonomic supply companies will have them.

Unless the engineers are spending long periods of time working on a laptop without suitable tables and chairs is there really a risk? I am sure you already have done, but perhaps complete a task analysis so you can get a clear idea on how long they are actually using the laptop? From my experience engineers are more vulnerable to physical injury from manual handling.

Hi Ron

The engineers already carry PDA but given the business need to reduce admin time they have also been issued laptops to carry out surveys and update spreadsheets. And carrying out audits in the field I have some sympathy for the engineers but don't believe there is much legally or practically I can do to ease their concerns, which if I am honest is as much about using H & S as a tool of protest as being a significant hazard to be controlled.