Mobile work: Ergonomics in a rapidly changing work environment

Places of work have been completely transformed by innovations in mobile work tools and ever-present access to internet data.

This article characterizes use patterns and provides preliminary considerations for productive and comfortable use of common mobile devices.

Two surveys described trends in mobile work. In the first, ergonomics professionals who oversee programs reported common mobile devices, their users and what data is accessed. The second, an end user survey, explored common activities performed on mobile devices, duration of use and locations where mobile work is common.

The survey results provide a baseline data point for the status of mobile work in early 2014.

Research indicates that additional risks have been introduced to the neck, thumbs and hands when using mobile devices. Possible trends regarding device use and work locations emerge. Intervention studies provide some direction for the practitioner. Practical strategies are outlined to reduce exposure intensity and duration.

Contemporary mobile work presents tremendous change and opportunity for ergonomists and researchers to keep pace with fitting the changing models of work to the person. Continued research is needed on current mobile device use patterns to better understand ergonomic risk exposure in this rapidly changing realm.