Mobile Computing Ergonomics By Nicolas Milani, Business Development Manager, Havis, Inc. A properly mounted mobile computing system (at left) allows the computer to be positioned close to the driver, eliminating the need to twist in the seat to reach the keyboard (right). The system can be easily returned to the center position and locked to avoid movement while the squad car is in motion. Advances in wireless communications and work cubicle — environments that have been mobile computing have turned today’s squad shaped by decades of ergonomics research and car into a fully functional office on wheels. development — the mobile office has, until re- Unfortunately, officers manning the squad- cently, been largely neglected as far as ensur- car-turned-office often discover that the ben- ing the comfort of vehicle-bound workers. To efits of mobility come at the expense of com- the great relief of the hundreds of thousands fort and performance — and sometimes even of patrol officers across the United States who health and safety. spend much of their shifts behind the wheel, At the heart of the problem is a disregard the principles of ergonomics are finally begin- for ergonomics. Unlike the typical office or ning to be applied to the mobile workplace. “Mobile Computing Ergonomics” is part two of a three-part series that presents vital information for the proper selection of mobile computer mounts in police vehicles. The final installment, addressing mobile computing mounting system reliability, will appear in an upcoming issue. Mobile Computing Ergonomic Issues Discomfort and Especially Challenging Affect Comfort and Injury Are Not the for Officers Performance Only Consequences Compared to the squad car’s assem- Ergonomic principles are currently Although the pain and discomfort asso- blage of communications, warning, and being employed to address several issues ciated with poor squad car ergonomics are mobile computing equipment, the typical related to working within the confines of a significant problems in and of themselves, civilian office desk is a truly bare environ- squad car. ergonomic deficiencies can result in an- ment. With so much more gear with which Eye Strain – Eye strain is caused by other, equally serious consequence — typ- an officer must interface — often with great poorly lit mobile computing solutions. In ing errors. At first blush, this may seem like speed — the importance of optimizing er- contrast to the well-lit offices most of us a trivial matter. But when you consider the gonomic placement of important equip- are accustomed to, the squad car work en- frequency with which court cases are dis- ment, vital controls, and creature comforts vironment provides multiple illumination missed because of simple clerical errors, the is obvious. challenges. During certain times of the importance of providing an optimized work The typical driver interacts with only day, for example, bright outdoor conditions environment becomes even more obvious. about seven controls (shifter, steering wheel, can make it difficult to see the computer’s Job satisfaction and productivity are three pedals, turn signals, horn). During ag- screen. Eye strain can also result from screen intimately related to how comfortable a gressive driving a police officer is required to vibration caused by an unstable mount. At- worker is when performing his or her duties. interact with three to four times the number tempting to focus on a computer screen that When deploying a mounting solution fleet- of devices, including all of the “traditional” vibrates while the vehicle is in motion can wide, simple things like access to cup holders input devices already mentioned, plus light sometimes trigger migraines. and availability of armrests can influence bar switches, multiple radios, computers, Night Blindness – Darkness can user acceptance of the equipment, and can radar, and video systems. All of this inter- make it difficult to see the keyboard at night. greatly affect the daily productivity of the action occurs under conditions that would Screen brightness, on the other hand, can officers. Too often, thousands of dollars are normally stretch an officer’s abilities, even adversely affect an officer’s natural ability to invested in a vehicle in the form of comput- without the unique in-cabin challenges. see in darkness and can greatly impact his ers, while mounting and usability issues are or her situational awareness. totally ignored. It doesn’t make sense to let a lack of cup holders or difficulty reaching Back Strain – By far, one of the most microphones undermine a high-dollar proj- common complaints related to poor mobile ect when these minor — but important — office ergonomics is user back fatigue. The issues can be addressed so easily. stretching, twisting, and turning associated User evaluations can help you identify with improper placement of the screen and and assess any ergonomic traps before you keyboard can lead to potentially debilitating upfit your entire fleet. Once you have suc- lower back pain. Problems of this nature are cessfully addressed officers’ concerns, it’s not limited solely to the officer driving the important to make EVERY vehicle as con- squad car. Passengers who are forced to twist sistent as possible so that officers can easily their legs to avoid bumping into improperly operate any fleet vehicle without concern positioned equipment can suffer, as well. for locating critical interfaces when called Wrist Strain – Another common er- to action. gonomic hazard associated with both sta- tionary and mobile computing is that of wrist strain. A glance at the pages devoted to supports, pillows, rests, cushions, and other wrist-related devices found in just about any office supply catalog provides convincing evidence of the importance placed on prop- er wrist alignment when using a keyboard. Most of the available wrist aids, however, are not designed to function in the mobile environment. This center-mounted docking station features a pos- itive-locking swing arm that rotates and extends to position the computer close to the driver or passenger. The most critical switches are placed highest in the cab, and all controls are easily accessible. A pad- The low profile of this mobile ded armrest between the driver and passenger seats computing mounting solution doesn’t incorporates a printer. interfere with passenger legroom. A Systems Approach out obstruction. Also ensure that all members tion it at an ideal angle. If a separate keyboard of the department (both short and tall) can see is used, it, too, should utilize a tilt mechanism. to Mobile Computing the channel indicator. Never allow an external keyboard to be loosely stowed in the cab, as it could become a projec- Ergonomics Screens – Screens must be positioned as close to the horizon as possible to improve situ- tile during an accident. Since the mid-1990s, when the issue of ational awareness, reduce neck strain, and im- Microphones – These devices should workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders prove daytime visibility. The brighter the better, be mounted within easy reach of the officer. (MSD) first gained widespread attention, em- but be sure to educate your officers on how to Once again, priority should be given to the ployers nationwide have invested billions of dol- dim the screen for nighttime use. Most laptops microphone that is most frequently used. Keep lars to ensure the health of their workers. For offer shortcut commands to decrease screen in mind that the reach path to the microphone office workers, this has meant investments in brightness and improve the officer’s night vision. should be unobstructed as this is a critical move- furniture and computer peripherals ment during times of duress and that are ergonomically designed to call-to-action. prevent workplace-related injuries. Lightbar Switches – Light- For the mobile worker, ergo- bar switches and controls for sirens, nomic solutions primarily take the alarms, and other critical compo- form of devices designed to properly nents should also be positioned to position computers, peripherals, and allow officers to activate them easily other equipment to avoid the types and comfortably during a pursuit. of problems described previously. Printer Mounts – Printer From a patrol officer’s perspective, mounts should hold the peripheral an ergonomic mobile computing so- securely and allow the officer to easily lution should contain the following access printouts. Just as with laptops, elements: the printer should be as close as possi- Tubes/Poles – Tubes should ble to the centerline of the vehicle to be adjustable, allowing the solution avoid airbags, or it should be mount- to be set to an ideal height. Ideally, ed in the passenger footwell area. A the solution must clear the center number of companies offer armrest console and provide enough clear- printer mounts which not only pro- ance for the officer to easily access vide a great mounting location, but the shift lever, radios, or light switch- also enhance officer comfort es that are located under the dock- Storage and Miscellaneous ing station. The tube should also – Traditional office workers don’t be as thick as possible to minimize worry about where to store their vibration, reducing the likelihood of pens or where to place their morning eye strain. coffee. Too often, creature comforts Swing Arms – These devices are forgotten in the mobile world. A allow an officer to position the com- good storage console will offer cup puter in several locations throughout holders and a place to store tissue, the cab. While driving, the laptop pencils, and paper. Don’t underesti- should be positioned as close to the mate the impacts these items have on centerline of the vehicle as possible worker comfort and job satisfaction. to avoid possible injury. During a Passenger Comfort – stop or while completing a report, Ergonomics in the mobile office do the laptop should be positioned as not apply only to the driver.