In-Vehicle Workstations

How to set up for short term, in-vehicle mobile device use, such as laptops and tablets

For your safety

  • Never use mobile devices when operating a vehicle
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked safely (away from moving vehicles) and turned off while working on mobile devices
  • Working in the vehicle is not optimal as there are risks associated with working in front of airbags

Do you need to work in the vehicle?

In-vehicle workstations are not an effective replacement for a properly set up office workstation

  • Consider a remote workstation with a work surface as an alternative to reduce awkward postures and eliminate safety risks
  • A work surface allows for use of external devices, such as a laptop/tablet riser, external keyboard and mouse
mannequin sitting in a car seat with a laptop on their lap

If you are required to use mobile devices in-vehicle:

  1. INCREASE WORKSPACE
  • Adjust seat rearwards
  • Work in the passenger seat or rear seats
  1. CENTER THE SCREEN
  • Position the screen in front of the body
  • Centre the screen with the vertical mid-line of the body to avoid twisting at the back and neck
  1. USE SUPPORTS TO RAISE THE SCREEN
  • Use mobile mounts or holders to improve neck posture
  • Use voice-based input systems to reduce awkward shoulder, arm and wrist postures
  1. EXIT THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE POSTURE
  • Get out of the vehicle at least once per hour
  • Do NOT work in-vehicle for long periods of time

NOTE: Do NOT work in-vehicle for long periods of time

Working directly on a laptop/mobile device creates musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards:

  • Flexed neck posture to view the screen
  • Awkward wrist/elbow/shoulder postures to type and use the trackpad/screen

Exposure to MSD hazards for sustained durations increases the risk of discomfort and MSD.
 

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In-Vehicle Workstations (1 page PDF)
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